Cumbrian clubs were mainly out of luck when the draw for the third round of the Challenge Cup was made tonight.
Only Barrow Raiders of the four clubs were fortunate to pull a home draw. They will host Swinton Lions on the week-end of March 11 and 12, giving them an early opportunity to avenge the recent Championship defeat a fortnight ago.
Swinton were in Cumbria on Sunday and were beaten 20-4 at the LEL Arena by Whitehaven.
Making their first entry into the Challenge Cup this season Whitehaven pulled the short straw – a trip to the capital to play London Broncos who have already won a Championship game at the LEL Arena.
Workington Town earned their place in the third round with a comprehensive 68-6 home win over amateurs Ince Rose Bridge but face a trip to fellow League One side Doncaster in a fortnight. The Dons trailed for much of their tie on Sunday at home to Oldham but eventually won 28-26.
Wath Brow Hornets are flying the flag for west Cumbrian amateur rugby league but have a tough test in prospect at Championship side Batley Bulldogs.
Batley have already been beaten at home by Swinton and struggled for long periods before over-coming Keighley in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
The full draw is:-
Featherstone Rovers v Halifax Panthers
Wests Warriors v Widnes Vikings
Leigh Miners Rangers v Rochdale Mayfield
Doncaster v Workington Town
Westgate Common v Hunslet ARLFC
Dewsbury Rams v Rochdale Hornets
Siddal v Sheffield Eagles
Orrell St James v Midlands Hurricanes
Batley Bulldogs v Wath Brow Hornets
Thatto Heath Crusaders v North Wales Crusaders
Hunslet v Keighley Cougars
York Knights v West Bowling
Stanningley v Newcastle Thunder
London Broncos v Whitehaven
Bradford Bulls v York Acorn
Barrow Raiders v Swinton Lions
