THERE will be 28 teams in the BARLA National Cup.
Holders Thatto Heath Crusaders were given a testing home derby against St Helens neighbours Haresfinch when the draw was conducted on Zoom on Friday lunchtime, while last year’s runners-up, Orrell St James, travel to Featherstone Lions.
BARLA chair Sue Taylor said: “It’s not been a bad response, and it’s nice to see some old established clubs back in the National Cup.”
Ties (to be played on Saturday, March 1): Pilkington Recs v Keighley Albion; Wath Brow Hornets v Drighlington; Normanton Knights v Woolston Rovers; Upton v Westhoughton Lions; West Bank Bears v Wigan St Judes; Leigh East v Crosfields; Blackbrook Royals v West Hull; Hindley Stags v Siddal; Eastmoor Dragons v Kippax Welfare; Fryston Warriors v Sharlston Rovers; Thatto Heath Crusaders v Haresfinch; Featherstone Lions v Orrell St James.
Byes: Wigan St Patrick’s, King Cross Park, Folly Lane, Brighouse Rangers.
Late withdrawals from the original 26 entries were Wigan St Judes (who had entered two teams, but now have just one involved) and Flimby Vikings.
However Eastmoor Dragons, Folly Lane, Pilkington Recs and West Hull submitted entries during the week.
The final will be played on the first weekend of November, at a venue yet to be announced.
