Leeds rugby league teams out to create huge upsets in Challenge Cup derbies
Two Leeds community clubs are aiming to create Cup magic this weekend and earn a crack at Super League opposition.
Hunslet ARLFC travel to Batley Bulldogs in the Betfred Challenge Cup second round on Sunday (2pm), the day after Stanningley play host to Hunslet RLFC in a city derby (1.30pm). Stanningley secured the plum tie thanks to a dramatic 24-22 home win over fellow amateurs Dewsbury Moor last week.
Opponents Hunslet are boosted by the return from injury of former Bradford Bulls and North Wales Crusaders hooker Cam Berry. Australian forward Elijah Simpson could make his debut and Jimmy Watson, Liam Carr and Mackenzie Turner are added to the team beaten by Dewsbury Rams in the Championship last Sunday. Jimmy Morgan drops out. The winners will be at home to Huddersfield Giants in the third round in two weeks’ time.
Hunslet’s amateur side will make the short trip to Mount Pleasant in high spirits after kicking off their season with a 48-6 home win against York Acorn in the Cup two weeks ago. It is Batley’s first game of the season after last weekend’s scheduled opening Championship opponents Featherstone Rovers were excluded from the competition. Bulldogs were 80-6 winners against the amateurs when the sides last met, three years ago and another win would secure a home clash with Catalans Dragons.
Rams, buoyed by their victory at South Leeds Stadium, have home advantage against community outfit West Hull on Sunday (2pm). The victors will travel to either Oldham or Orrell St James in round three. Castleford side Lock Lane, who were drawn against Featherstone Rovers, have received a bye through to the third round. They have switched their ‘home’ tie against Hull KR to the holders’ Sewell Group Craven Park on Friday, February 6.