Challenge Cup 2025

[creditwhereitsdews]

How come the Chargers game is off but the Hoists game is on? Aren't they meant to be at the same ground?

[Damien]

A nice diverse range of winners when you see the club badges like this:

 

[Damien]

On 09/01/2025 at 11:08, JonM said:

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.

Great to see St Pats helping their neighbours and fierce rivals:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18VhpbqnV8/

[Damien]

 

 

[Archie Gordon]

3 hours ago, creditwhereitsdews said:

How come the Chargers game is off but the Hoists game is on? Aren't they meant to be at the same ground?

Odd.

Also odd that HHH team seems to bear little resemblance to their SCL side of last season.

[Padge]

3 hours ago, Damien said:

Great to see St Pats helping their neighbours and fierce rivals:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18VhpbqnV8/

Video of this evenings work.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15YuL7hSZZ/

 

[langpark]

9 hours ago, Archie Gordon said:

Odd.

Also odd that HHH team seems to bear little resemblance to their SCL side of last season.

Aren't most of their players Aussies that are in the UK on the 2-year working visa?  Would make sense that their squad has a high player turnover from season to season.

[Archie Gordon]

2 hours ago, langpark said:

Aren't most of their players Aussies that are in the UK on the 2-year working visa?  Would make sense that their squad has a high player turnover from season to season.

Some, yeah. They have two decent (Aussie) German internationals that I thought might be longer term. Shame if they've gone.

[Hopping Mad]

1pm pitch inspection at Ince Rose Bridge who, in a statement issued this morning, said: "It's been a monumental effort from our incredible volunteers who have worked tirelessly and against all odds to prepare the pitch for today's Challenge Cup clash. The dedication and teamwork from everyone involved have been absolutely unreal. A massive thank you to all who've lent a hand.

"The Longhorns have now arrived, and the RFL will conduct a pitch inspection at 1pm. We're all eagerly awaiting the outcome and keeping everything crossed! Stay tuned for updates, and let's hope we can get this game on and make it a day to remember!"

Edited January 11 by Hopping Mad

[JonM]

That is a very impressive effort by Rose Bridge - hope it gets picked up by national media because it's a great story. Fingers crossed it goes ahead - looks like the temperatures have just crept past 0 in Wigan.

Hammersmith Hills Hoists seem to think it's game on. Let's hope Siddal haven't traveled down in vain. I guess Chargers may have discussed things with Oulton and perhaps the postponement to next weekend makes sense - quite an expensive trip if you end up not being able to play. 

[Gomersall]

 

[Hopping Mad]

2 hours ago, Hopping Mad said:

1pm pitch inspection at Ince Rose Bridge who, in a statement issued this morning, said: "It's been a monumental effort from our incredible volunteers who have worked tirelessly and against all odds to prepare the pitch for today's Challenge Cup clash. The dedication and teamwork from everyone involved have been absolutely unreal. A massive thank you to all who've lent a hand.

"The Longhorns have now arrived, and the RFL will conduct a pitch inspection at 1pm. We're all eagerly awaiting the outcome and keeping everything crossed! Stay tuned for updates, and let's hope we can get this game on and make it a day to remember!"

Just been called off.

Ince Rose Bridge statement: It is with heavy hearts that we announce today’s Challenge Cup match has been called off following the [1pm] pitch inspection.

The effort from our club, volunteers, and community over the past few days has been nothing short of phenomenal. From working day and night, to local businesses donating heaters, everyone came together to do all that was in our power - and more - to ensure this game could go ahead.

This effort was even more meaningful knowing that Longhorns RLC made tremendous arrangements to travel from Ireland for this fixture, with their trip already paid. The commitment from both clubs and the community showcases the true spirit of rugby league.

While we’re all disappointed, we couldn’t be prouder of the teamwork and dedication that’s been shown. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped—your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

We’ll share updates on the next steps as soon as we can. Stay tuned, and thank you again.

Edited January 11 by Hopping Mad

[Barley Mow]

Army v RAF late postponement.

[JonM]

Just one game left standing then?

[gingerjon]

8 minutes ago, Hopping Mad said:

Just been called off.

Ince Rose Bridge statement: It is with heavy hearts that we announce today’s Challenge Cup match has been called off following the [1pm] pitch inspection.

The effort from our club, volunteers, and community over the past few days has been nothing short of phenomenal. From working day and night, to local businesses donating heaters, everyone came together to do all that was in our power - and more - to ensure this game could go ahead.

This effort was even more meaningful knowing that Longhorns RLC made tremendous arrangements to travel from Ireland for this fixture, with their trip already paid. The commitment from both clubs and the community showcases the true spirit of rugby league.

While we’re all disappointed, we couldn’t be prouder of the teamwork and dedication that’s been shown. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped—your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

We’ll share updates on the next steps as soon as we can. Stay tuned, and thank you again.

Gutting.

Short of someone being able to step in to fund the trip, you have to assume it will be a walkover now.

[gingerjon]

4 minutes ago, Barley Mow said:

Army v RAF late postponement.

Gah!

[Hopping Mad]

5 minutes ago, Barley Mow said:

Army v RAF late postponement.

Just about to settle down to watch that.

[Barley Mow]

8 minutes ago, JonM said:

Just one game left standing then?

Hammersmith HH v Siddal (today)

Aberavon FI V Blackbrook (tomorrow)

Eastern Rhinos v Wests Warriors (tomorrow)

Unless I've missed some postponements - RFL match centre doesn't list London Chargers v Oulton as off either yet.

Edited January 11 by Barley Mow

[JonM]

2 minutes ago, Barley Mow said:

Hammersmith HH v Siddal (today)

Aberavon FI VBlackbrook (tomorrow)

Eastern Rhinos v Wests Warriors (tomorrow)

Unless I've missed some postponements - RFL match centre doesn't list London Chargers v Oulton as off either yet.

I'd forgotten about the two games tomorrow. Chargers v Oulton has been re-arranged for Sat 18th at Streatham-Croydon RFC's ground.

[JonM]

Preview of the Aberavon game in Nation.Cymru

https://nation.cymru/sport/aberavon-seek-to-provide-hope-in-port-talbot-as-they-make-challenge-cup-return/

[Phil W]

25 minutes ago, Hopping Mad said:

Just been called off.

Ince Rose Bridge statement: It is with heavy hearts that we announce today’s Challenge Cup match has been called off following the [1pm] pitch inspection.

The effort from our club, volunteers, and community over the past few days has been nothing short of phenomenal. From working day and night, to local businesses donating heaters, everyone came together to do all that was in our power - and more - to ensure this game could go ahead.

This effort was even more meaningful knowing that Longhorns RLC made tremendous arrangements to travel from Ireland for this fixture, with their trip already paid. The commitment from both clubs and the community showcases the true spirit of rugby league.

While we’re all disappointed, we couldn’t be prouder of the teamwork and dedication that’s been shown. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped—your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

We’ll share updates on the next steps as soon as we can. Stay tuned, and thank you again.

I know it's a long shot but if there's any crowdfunder to get Longhorns back over next weekend can someone post a link here? 

[Hopping Mad]

21 minutes ago, Barley Mow said:

Army v RAF late postponement.

Bloke who lives close to Aldershot went along. Says P-P was the right call because, in a few places, the pitch was frozen. With players coming from all over, the teams gave it as long as possible.

Edited January 11 by Hopping Mad

[Padge]

Gutted for Bridge they put a monumental effort into getting the game on.

[Futtocks]

Okay, if you're suffering Rugby League cold turkey, the weather is better in France. Kick off in a minute or two.

 

[Archie Gordon]

HHH-Siddal 4-12 ht.