Panthers handed trip to Rovers in Challenge Cup draw

Halifax Panthers will visit Championship leaders Featherstone Rovers in the third round of the Challenge Cup.

In arguably the stand-out tie of the draw, Rovers, who are the only team in the second tier with a 100 per cent record after the first four games, will face the Panthers over the weekend of March 11 and 12, with Simon Grix’s men looking to avenge the 46-22 defeat sustained at the Millennium Stadium earlier this month.

Meanwhile, amateur league outfit Siddal have been drawn at home to former Challenge Cup winners Sheffield Eagles in what should be an enthralling game.

Siddal earned their place in the draw thanks to a 148 win over West Hull in the clash of two of the Impact Performance National Conference League’s big guns last Saturday.

A try seven minutes from time by Henry Turner secured the win for the hosts.

Siddal had led 4-0 at the break, Alex Chatterton having raced over midway through the opening period, only for the Green and Golds to edge ahead when Ryan Wilson improved Marcus Hall’s touchdown three minutes after the restart.

Ben West restored the home side’s lead as the game went into the final quarter, Wilson restoring parity with a penalty on 66 minutes.

Turner’s quality try, though, was a worthy winner for the Halifax outfit.

In other third round ties, Batley Bulldogs will host National Conference League side Wath Brow Hornets while Dewsbury Rams are at home to fellow League One side Rochdale Hornets.

Bradford Bulls are at home to York Acorn and Hunslet host Keighley Cougars.