Date set for Underbank’s Cup clash with Bulls

UNDERBANK Rangers will play their big Coral Challenge Cup clash with Bradford Bulls on Sunday, February 23.

The biggest match in the Holme Valley amateur club’s history will take place at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley’s Stadium and will have a 1pm kick-off.

It’s the first time the National Conference Premier side have reached the fourth round of the world famous knockout tournament, the final of which is played at Wembley. They won 30-8 at West Wales Raiders in the third round.

Meanwhile, Underbank have gained another boost after being included in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.

They are one of only three clubs from the National Conference League Premier Division who will join 17 from the Betfred Championship and League 1 for a second opportunity to reach a Wembley final.

The NCL champions West Hull and York Acorn are the other two sides who will join Underbank in the first round draw on March 18 along with five clubs from Betfred League 1 - Barrow Raiders, Doncaster, Keighley Cougars, Newcastle Thunder and Rochdale Hornets. Four wins will secure a trip to Wembley on Saturday, July 18.

The 12 Betfred Championship clubs who have entered have a bye to the second round. The first round ties are scheduled for the weekend of April 18-19.

Mark Foster, the chief commercial officer of the Rugby Football League, said: “The competition was introduced last year to give non-Super League clubs a second chance to earn a trip to Wembley and it’s great to see three Community clubs who have already made a big impact in the Coral Challenge Cup this season – Underbank Rangers, West Hull and York Acorn – getting involved.”