Challenge Cup 2025

[Impartial Observer]

I will say these will go ahead

West Hull

Ince

Aberavon

Eastern Rhinos

Army

Hammersmith

London Cargers

[wroteforluck87]

7 hours ago, Just Browny said:

Stating the obvious probably but I'd expect to see a lot of postponements this weekend, especially those games in West Yorkshire / Rochdale / Oldham. Temperatures are already below freezing and falling, and are not likely to sneak much above zero until the weekend.

I don't hold much hope for Waterhead to be on.. Oldham Athletic confirmed a pitch inspection will take place Friday 9am for there Saturday fixture which also raises concerns for Roughyeds game against Rochdale.

[Spidey]

Crosfields v Maryport off - rescheduled for 18th

[Archie Gordon]

Any postponents will make it seem even more of a shame that Chargers and HHH games weren't streamed.

[JonM]

Ince Rose Bridge are asking for volunteers to help clear snow off their pitch for tomorrow for the Longhorns game. It would be unfortunate if they raised the money to travel over to the UK and don't get a game. It's forecast to be 2C tomorrow, so hopefully the pitch wouldn't be frozen.

[chisholm]

Ince Rose Bridge, have volunteers on site now with more attending this evening.

Industrial Heaters have been hired and tarpaulins ordered , Everything possible is being done to make sure the game goes ahead.

Thanks to everyone who is helping your a credit to the club.

[RigbyLuger]

Are there any alternative venues available where games could be played?

[Hopping Mad]

Dewsbury Moor-Haresfinch is off. Rescheduled for January 18 (2.0).

[Hopping Mad]

Mirfield-Royal Navy is off. New date to be confirmed.

On their socials, Mirfield state: "Every effort has been made to get the game on, but we cannot control the temperatures, which are preventing the field from thawing and becoming playable.

"We also have to bear in mind the logistics for our opponents, who are travelling from the south coast and have accommodation booked, which is why the decision has been taken today.

"A provisional date of Saturday 18th January has been identifed for the rearranged game. This will be confirmed in due course following discussions between both clubs and sign-off from the RFL."

Thatto Heath Crusaders-Orrell St James is also off. New date - TBC - either January 18 or 19.

Edited January 9 by Hopping Mad

[Barley Mow]

The draw for the 3rd round is due to take place on Tuesday evening.

This was supposed to be after all of the 1st round ties had been decided, but with postponements this coming weekend, we could be left with fixtures drawn for the 3rd round before the preceding 1st round matches have taken place - We aren't quite there for 1st round postponements yet, but I'm looking forward to a draw like:

Stanley Rangers or Hunslet Amateurs or West Hull or Edinburgh Eagles V GB Police or York Acorn or Lock Lane or Doncaster Toll Bar

[Just Browny]

Terrific effort for the likes of Mirfield to get their names in the hat for the third round, bravo.

[Barley Mow]

I wonder if The Sportsman will look to find another fixture to broadcast in place of Thatto Heath V Orrell St James.

Perhaps they will just broadcast the same fixture on the replacement date - I assume they are only able to broadcast one match per round.

[hunsletgreenandgold]

Fully admire the efforts Ince Rose are going to, to get their game on but with the temperature in Wigan down to -6 Friday night and still due to be -1 at 1pm on Saturday, I just don't see how it'll be playable. Even some grounds with undersoil heating will be calling games off this weekend. 

Edited January 9 by hunsletgreenandgold

[JonM]

6 minutes ago, hunsletgreenandgold said:

Fully admire the efforts Ince Rose are going to, to get their game on but with the temperature in Wigan down to -6 Friday night and still due to be -1 at 1pm on Saturday, I just don't see how it'll be playable. Even some grounds with undersoil heating will be calling games off this weekend. 

They've got heaters to use on the pitch. The met office is currently predicting +1 for 1pm on Saturday. I think they deserve a great deal of credit for doing their utmost to get the game on. It would be easy to postpone knowing that Longhorns probably would scratch due to lack of funds to travel a second time. 

[Hopping Mad]

GB Police-York Acorn (Sunday) is off. No news on rescheduling.

[Barley Mow]

Current situation for 1st round matches on, postponed and undergoing pitch inspections:

https://www.totalrl.com/pitch-inspections-scheduled-for-today-following-nine-betfred-challenge-cup-postponements/

Most of this weekend's competitive rugby league will be taking place in the south of the country.

[RP London]

and yet it isnt really cold and we dont get really cold winters any more that could cause havoc for an earlier start to the season etc etc..

[Barley Mow]

With the two televised 1st round matches postponed, so is BBC and Sportsman coverage. But I see that British Forces Broadcasting Service will be showing the Army v RAF fixture (currently still on) on their youtube channel tomorrow. Coverage starting at 1:45pm.

 

[hunsletgreenandgold]

16 hours ago, JonM said:

They've got heaters to use on the pitch. The met office is currently predicting +1 for 1pm on Saturday. I think they deserve a great deal of credit for doing their utmost to get the game on. It would be easy to postpone knowing that Longhorns probably would scratch due to lack of funds to travel a second time. 

As I say, it'll be a valiant effort if they pull it off - I have my doubts and that's not to be negative, but from what i've seen they're still looking to get the heaters. Even if they're up and running by lunch today, a frozen pitch will struggle to pass a pitch inspection, which at the latest is usually 2 hours before kick off. 

[Archie Gordon]

Wests Warriors were live streaming via Veo Live last season. I guess they may do so again from Colchester on Sunday.

[Just Browny]

48 minutes ago, RP London said:

and yet it isnt really cold and we dont get really cold winters any more that could cause havoc for an earlier start to the season etc etc..

This just prompted me to look at the 1962/1963 season to see how they got on during that winter. Worth a look, probably some player welfare concerns in March-May when they were playing every 3 days!

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/first-division-1962-63/results.html

[Hopping Mad]

Ties at West Bowling and West Hull called off this morning.

West Bowling statement: "Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing. Based on expert advice from the [Horsfall] stadium's pitch installers, we will be unable to clear the pitch [of snow] without risking irreversible damage to its structure. The combination of snow and ice adhering to the pitch fibres and crumb presents significant challenges. The game will be rescheduled for next week. Stay tuned."

[Barley Mow]

On 08/01/2025 at 16:44, Impartial Observer said:

I will say these will go ahead

West Hull

Ince

Aberavon

Eastern Rhinos

Army

Hammersmith

London Cargers

Pretty good prediction at present.

West Hull is off, otherwise as things stand you're correct.

[Archie Gordon]

Chargers-Oulton off but not yet HHH-Siddal.

Edited January 10 by Archie Gordon

[rugbyleaguerunner]

I'll be at the Army v RAF game in Aldershot - currently still on