Tonight seen the second round draw of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup take place down at RAF Coningsby down in Lincolnshire. Sheffield Eagles and Ireland coach Mark Aston and Batley Bulldogs coach John Kear drew the 9 second round ties the winners of will join the 15 League 1 clubs in the third round.
The shock of the last round seen Huddersfield based Underbank Rangers of Divsion one of the NCL beat Leigh Miners Rangers of the premier division. Rangers gained national attention by reaching the fifth round of the competition beating professional opposition in Oxford while en route to the fifth round. York City Knights eventually ended that run but Rangers who were treble winners last year were undone despite leading 14-4 at half time. A similar shock saw West Cumbrian side Distington defeat NCL Division one side Normanton Knights away from home. Distington who are playing the competition for their first time defeated their higher ranked opposition 31-18 and will be looking for a similar shock in the second round to have the opportunity to play professional opposition in the next round.
The draw in full:-
Kells v Underbank Rangers
Millom v Pilkington Recs
Shaw Cross Sharks V Castleford Lock Lane
Hunslet Club Parkside V West Hull
York Acorn V Distington
Hull Dockers v Featherstone Lions
Wath Brow Hornets V Oulton Raiders
Egremont Rangers v Rochdale Mayfield
Siddal V Northumbria Uni
The ties will be played over the weekend of the 13th and 14th February.
