Coral Challenge Cup First Round
Thornhill Trojans 22 Thatto Heath Crusaders 16
Wigan St Patricks 30 Dewsbury Moor Maroons 14
With both Dewsbury based clubs receiving tough first round assignments against renowned red rose opposition it reflects creditably that both emerged with credit from awesome contests.
Overthorpe Park was the setting as Thornhill took on a Thatto Heath side who made it all the way to round five of last year’s wembley trail before succumbing to our very own Dewsbury Rams.
Like most successful amateur clubs Thatto have had their ranks raided by professional clubs in the close season but they are still formidable opposition & this is a fine scalp for the Trojans to boast.
The scores were locked at ten points each at half time before Thornhill put in a strong second half to move into the second round.
Try scorers for them were Rye Ward , Matthew Tebb , Sam Ratcliffe & Ross Roebuck supplemented by three goals from Casey Johnson.
Across the pennines Dewsbury Moor gave Wigan St Pats an almighty fright as they lead 10 – 8 early in the second half before losing out late on. This was a massive effort by the Moor against a club who are a veritable production line for the likes of Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves & Leigh Centurions amongst others.
Joe Haywood notched up two tries for the Moor with Finley Bruce also crossing the whitewash whilst Bradley Foster kicked a goal.
Coral Challenge Cup Second Round Draw
Thornhill Trojans v Normanton Knights
Wow what a cracker that is going to be – Overthorpe Park will be rocking!! On a personal note I was born in Thornhill & lived in Normanton for many years so it has special significance for me. That tie will take place on the weekend of 25th / 26th January. Victory would mean progression to Round Three when the Betfred League One teams enter the fray.
BARLA NATIONAL CUP FIRST ROUND
This coming Saturday 18th January sees the 2020 National cup commence but our two local representatives will progress to the second round without lacing a boot as Hanging Heaton & Mirfield Stags both receive byes.
PENNINE LEAGUE
Two games of local significance this Saturday 18th January. In Division One it’s Derby day as Mirfield Stags play host to Hanging Heaton whilst in Division two Shaw Cross Sharks take on Fryston Warriors at Leeds Road.
Article by Rams fan David Hyomes
