Woolston confirm inclusion in Challenge Cup

WARRINGTON outfit Woolston Rovers have accepted a late invitation by the Rugby Football League to take part in the 2019 Challenge Cup.

Rovers, of the Kingstone Press National Conference League’s Third Division, will join 51 other amateur sides, who have yet to be named by the RFL, in the competition.

The draw for the first round will be made on Friday 14 December; ties will be played on the weekend of 26/27 January.

Woolston PRO Dave Whalley said: “Rovers have a great affiliation with the Challenge Cup, having defeated professional opposition in Chorley Lynx in 2001 that led to a dream tie against Warrington Wolves at Wilderspool Stadium in front of over 6,500 spectators.

“A standing ovation was received by all at the end of the game that the full-time Wolves won 48-6, Rovers’ points coming from a try and conversion by scrum-half Steve Martin.”

Whalley continued: “When the invite was received it took very little time to accept. It is the oldest competition in Rugby League and for community clubs like ourselves to get the chance to take part in it is a great honour.

“I spoke to Head Coach Mal Holt immediately and he was made up. The lads are very excited at the chance of pitting themselves against some other quality sides.”

Head Coach Mal Holt added: “As soon as Dave mentioned it I said yes straight away; the lads have been back in training for three weeks now and it is all going very well. We were looking to get some pre-season fixtures in before the NCL season started at the end of February but now we will have at least one important cup tie to look forward to.

“The boys are buzzing about it and it will help us to up the intensity over the next few weeks to make sure we are ready to give a good account of ourselves.”