Underbank bid to create Challenge Cup history
UNDERBANK Rangers are aiming to create history when they host Featherstone Lions on Saturday in the second round of the Coral Challenge Cup.
In their 135-year history, the National Conference Premier club have never been past this stage of the famous old knockout competition, so much is at stake at The Cross (2pm).
Underbank coach Richard Knight is delighted to have consistent loose forward Craig Williams back in the selection pot and is set to hand a debut to former Newsome Panthers prop Matty Poulter, who has joined the Holme Valley club this season and impressed in a full pre-season of work.
Following the 30-12 win at Irrell St James in the first round, Underbank have no injury problems and Knight will be reminding his 19-man squad to play smart and take their chances if they want to progress.
“In my 10 years with the club, Featherstone Lions have been our arch rivals pretty much all the way through,” said Knight, who will play at stand-off in the tie. “At the moment, they are a division below us, but that counts for absolutely nothing in the Cup.
“In the past we have beaten teams four divisions above us and, last year, we lost to a team four divisions below us (Batley Boys), so it’s all about who turns up and does the business on the day.
“It will be an arm wrestle and it will be tough, but if we keep our its about us and don’t get drawn into anything stupid, then this should be a game we are winning.”
“It should be a cracking match and we hope there will be a big crowd up to cheer us on.”
The Underbank Under 8s are playing Featherstone Lions Under 8s and the two young teams will walk out as mascots with their senior counterparts for the main game.
■Underbank (from): Jacob Garside, Lee St Hilaire, Alex Chatterton, Jamie Stringer, Courtney Allette, Richard Knight, Luke Pogson, Nathan Robinson, Danny Hirst, Tom Booth, Will Broadbent-Allen, Owen Restall, Craig Williams, Tom Stringer, Oli Moorhouse, Matty Poulter,
Hanley Turner, James Thorpe, Jay Tinker. SIMON Woolford knows improving his Huddersfield Giants side’s performance in key areas will be the pivotal aspect to turning over the Catalans Dragons tomorrow (5pm).
The Claret and Gold boss will be looking for his troops to bounce straight back in France after their home defeat to Salford Red Devils in their opening match of the Super League campaign.
Head coach Woolford feels his side let themselves down against Ian Watson’s men, but also took FORMER Salford owner Marwan Koukash is leading a bid to establish a new rugby league club in Liverpool.
The millionaire racehorse owner, who relinquished control of the Red Devils just over 12 months ago, is keen to get involved in the game once more and, after dropping his interest in launching a new club in Cumbria and pulling out of a bid to take over