It’s been an absolute nightmare preparing for a trip to London in the first round of the Challenge Cup on January 15.
But Ellenborough head coach Paul Gorge admits he would be “chuffed to bits” if he had it all to do again a fortnight later.
For the draws for rounds one and two worked-out unkindly for the Cumberland ARL champions, giving them successive visits to the capital if winning first time – playing London Chargers and London Skolars.
Gorge, preparing to coach the side for the fourth year, says preparations have not been helped by the uncertainty of COVID and it’s various restrictions, and the fact that Elbra aren’t due to start their local season until March.
“We had to bring training forward to help get the lads in some sort of shape for the Cup game without the benefit of a run-out beforehand.
“But we wanted to take part in the Challenge Cup once we were confirmed as League champions, and actually would have liked to enter the National Cup for the community clubs as well.
“Organising the trip has been a nightmare, too, because we will need to travel on the Friday and stay overnight as it’s likely to be a 1pm kick-off.
“With Covid we haven’t booked accommodation yet because we were waiting to see if there were any new restrictions as London has apparently suffered badly recently with the virus.
“Our bus costs are expensive because of the distance. However as the longest travellers we are getting £1,000 from the Rugby Football League towards travel.
“But to help us with accommodation for the team we have organised raffles and have had a few generous donations. But we are still looking for a bit more sponsorship because it’s a lot of money for a club like ours,” says Gorge.
Ellenborough have a proud record in the Challenge Cup having reached the fifth round in 1997/98 season when victims included Bramley and Hunslet Hawks.
Gorge himself played full-back for Ellenborough at Derwent Park in January 2002 when they lost 38-6 to Hull KR.
This year’s opponents London Chargers were runners-up in the Southern Conference last season and in 2019 gave Wath Brow Hornets a good game before losing 34-6 in the capital.
Gorge says: “I have seen a video of them in action and they look a handy side. It appears they were beaten in the Grand Final for the Southern Conference last season so we are expecting a tough game.”
What of the Ellenborough squad for 2022? Will Gorge be able to field his strongest team for the trip south?
“We lost two good players, Ryan Wilson and Zak Olstrom to Workington Town last year and another of our promising young players, Luke Broster is currently training with Town.
“Luke is just young and has promise as a prop or second row and I’m hopeful he will be able to play for us in London.
“Otherwise we have the squad that won the League last season and I’m happy with that. We are not a club who go out poaching players and when any of ours leave we always say the door is always open to return.
“What I’m still not sure of, though, is if any of the lads can’t get off work for the 15th. I’m hoping to take a strong squad capable of giving a good account of themselves.
“It has been an absolute nightmare, the worst draw possible. But I would still be chuffed if we can win and have to do it all again,” says Gorge.
