Lowca’s return to the Challenge Cup after more than 25 years has seen them land a home draw.
But Wath Brow Hornets, the only other Cumbria team involved must travel to Hull Dockers as both were exempt until the second round.
Lowca will be at home to Edinburgh Eagles on the weekend of January 27/28 and the winners will travel to Conference Premier Division side Lock Lane a fortnight later.
Lowca were invited back into the competition after finishing fourth in the Cumberland ARL. Champions Distington did not wish to be included as they concentrate on a first season in the National Conference.
Kells, from the National Conference Premier Division also opted out as they also wish to concentrate on staying in that League.
Coach Peter Smith summed it up perfectly when he said: “The further you go in the Cup the harder it becomes and you often end up with a hiding which can impact on your League season.
“Our priority is staying in the Conference Premier Division so we took the decision not to compete.”
Lowca will be delighted just to have landed a home draw after so many years out of the competition.
Their visitors Edinburgh Eagles were founded 25 years ago and they have been Scottish champions ten times.
Hull Dockers, who host Wath Brow, finished bottom of Conference Premier Division last season and will start in Division One again this time round.
