Championship clubs avoid Challenge Cup upsets

It was routine progress for the Championship clubs in the second round of the Challenge Cup despite some gutsy displays.

Joel Farrell celebrates with a muscle-flexing pose after scoring for Sheffield against Whitehaven, as opposing players look on ruefully
Joel Farrell marked his 250th career game with a try for Sheffield in the win over Whitehaven [SWPIX]

There was routine progress for Championship clubs drawn to community club opposition in the second round of the Challenge Cup, with no upsets recorded.

Midlands Hurricanes and North Wales Crusaders put 110 points past Aberavon Fighting Irish and Bedford Tigers respectively without a point conceded.

London Broncos surpassed their previous biggest win with a 86-0 defeat of local opponents Wests Warriors to set up a tie with Bradford, while Halifax racked up an 88-0 win over London Chargers.

There were also big scorelines for Rochdale Hornets against Waterhead, Widnes against Thatto Heath, Goole against Mirfield, Oldham over Orrell St James, Keighley against Heworth, Barrow versus Wigan St Judes and Hunslet against Stanningley.

It was not all one-way traffic though, as Ince Rose Bridge gave Swinton a good tussle in their 44-26 loss, while Hunslet ARLFC, Blackbrook and West Hull kept the margin of defeat to 22 points against Batley, Workington and Dewsbury respectively.

Salford, in their first Challenge Cup outing post-rebirth, won an entertaining game 42-10 against Hammersmith Hills Hoists.

Doncaster squeezed past a determined Newcastle Thunder in their all-Championship tie and Sheffield Eagles overcame a gutsy Whitehaven in front of the BBC cameras.

Third-round draw

Swinton Lions v Wakefield Trinity

Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos

Barrow Raiders v York Knights

Batley Bulldogs v Catalans Dragons

North Wales Crusaders v Leigh Leopards

Lock Lane v Hull KR

Workington Town v St Helens

Rochdale v Wigan Warriors

London Broncos v Bradford Bulls

Sheffield Eagles v Warrington Wolves

Salford RLFC v Hull FC

Hunslet v Huddersfield Giants

Doncaster v Castleford Tigers

Halifax v Goole Vikings

Oldham v Dewsbury Rams

Keighley Cougars v Midlands Hurricanes

Category: General Sports