West Cumbrian amateurs Maryport could be in line for a repeat of their last appearance in the Rugby League Challenge Cup nearly 90 years ago.
Back in 1937/38 Maryport played Barrow in the prestigious competition and were beaten 83-3 – and they could match up again.
But first Maryport have to get past Crosfields in the first round before they can think about an historic rematch with the Furness side.
Crosfields from Warrington finished sixth in the National Conference First Division last season so will be tough opposition but the prospect of a lucrative Cumbrian derby in round two should be a spur.
Maryport coach Mark Foster is looking no further than the first round and said: “It’s an interesting draw. Crosfields play at a high standard and have Warrington and England hooker Danny Walker on the coaching staff so we know it will be a really hard game but we will just go and give it our best shot.
“We were honestly just happy to be in the competition and weren’t too fussed who we got or where.
“We are happy enough with an away draw as it helps test us against better teams and gets our players more experience which will hopefully benefit us for the season ahead.”
The other West Cumbrian side in the draw, Wath Brow Hornets were also drawn away in the first round and will travel to West Bowling who were fourth bottom in the NCL Premier Division some ten points behind the Hornets.
If they can beat West Bowling the Hornets will then travel to the Championship side Sheffield Eagles in round two.
Workington Town have to travel in the second round to the winners of Mirfield and the Royal Navy.
They will probably hope it’s Mirfield – less travelling and also for the fact that former Town coach Shaun Lunt is the head coach there.
Whitehaven have a home draw and it’s a preview for their opening League One game of the season with Swinton Lions, the team that accompanied them and Dewsbury down from the Championship.
Only Haven will have home advantage in the Cup, and will travel for the opening League fixture.
Challenge Cup Round One draw
To be played weekend of January 11-12
West Hull v Edinburgh Eagles, London Chargers v Oulton Raiders, Longhorns v Ince Rose Bridge, Lock Lane v Doncaster Toll Bar, Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Siddal, Waterhead Warriors v Leigh Miners Rangers, GB Police v York Acorn, Aberavon Fighting Irish v Blackbrook, Mirfield v Royal Navy, Crosfields v Maryport, British Army v RAF, Stanley Rangers v Hunslet ARLFC, West Bowling v Wath Brow Hornets, Dewsbury Moor v Haresfinch, Eastern Rhinos v Wests Warriors, Rochdale Mayfield v Telford Raiders, Thatto Heath v Orrell St James.
Challenge Cup Round Two draw
GB Police or York Acorn v London Chargers or Oulton Raiders, Halifax Panthers v Thatto Heath or Orrell St James, Dewsbury Moor or Haresfinch v Dewsbury Rams, Barrow Raiders v Crosfields or Maryport, Mirfield or Royal Navy v Workington Town, London Broncos v Goole Vikings, Lock Lane or Doncaster Toll Bar v Hunslet, Waterhead Warriors or Leigh Miners v Featherstone Rovers, Eastern Rhinos or Wests Warriors v British Army or RAF, Whitehaven v Swinton Lions, Stanley Rangers or Hunslet ARLFC v West Hull or Edinburgh Eagles, Rochdale Hornets v Widnes Vikings, Oldham v Rochdale Mayfield or Telford Raiders, Keighley Cougars v York Knights, Sheffield Eagles v West Bowling or Wath Brow, Bradford Bulls v Doncaster, Aberavon or Blackbrook v Longhorns or Ince Rose Bridge, Midlands Hurricanes v Hammersmith Hills Hoists or Siddal, Cornwall v North Wales Crusaders, Newcastle Thunder v Batley Bulldogs.
