Words – Ian Golden. Pic – Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
The men’s Betfred Challenge Cup reached its second round stage last weekend, and there was a lot of Welsh international presence.
Our own North Wales Crusaders, who fielded Paddy Jones, sailed into the third round with a 52-0 win at Cornwall. The home side had four Welshmen in their side – Benjamin Cripps and Brad Llewellyn, who were each making their first-class debut, along with Harry Boots and George Mitchell.
Crusaders will take on Widnes Vikings in round three. The Vikings had five Welshmen in their side that beat Rochdale Hornets – Rhys Williams, who made a try-scoring debut for the club, Rhodri Lloyd, who also crossed, plus Mike Butt, Matty Fozard and Gavin Bennion.
There are other Welsh players who will be playing in round three. Will Evans scored a try for Workington Town as they sank the Royal Navy. Owen Restall made his Halifax Panthers debut in their win over Thatto Heath Crusaders. Gil Dudson, making his Oldham debut, helped to overcome Rochdale Mayfield. Caleb Aekins helped Featherstone Rovers to win over a Waterhead Warriors side that fielded Wales Dragonhearts and former junior international Will Lynch.
However, for a few of our players, their Wembley dream is over for this competition. Huw Workington, Curtis Davies and Matt Ross were in the London Broncos side that fell to Goole Vikings, in that club’s first-ever first-class match. George Birch and his Newcastle Thunder side went out to Batley Bulldogs. Swinton Lions, who fielded Ant Walker also went out, losing to Whitehaven.