TV’s live coverage of Challenge derby

THE local derby between Swinton and Oldham in the Challenge Cup second round next Sunday will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport website and Red Button.

The match, which kicks off at 12.30pm at Heywood Road, carries a double prize for the winner – as well as moving into the third round of the Challenge Cup, the point at which Super League sides will enter, they’ll also qualify for the semi-finals of the 1895 Cup.

Oldham secured their spot in the second round with a comprehensive 20-6 victory over League 1 contenders Barrow Raiders at the Bower Fold ground.

Lewis Charnock, Danny Langtree and Tommy Brierley crossed for Roughyeds’ tries, while Dan Abram slotted four goals as Matt Diskin’s side kicked off their 2021 season with a victory.

It was a strong first-half performance that helped Swinton overcome Newcastle Thunder, the team recently elevated to the Championship to take the spot of Leigh Centurions.

Stuart Littler’s side were forced into an early reshuffle when centre Liam Forsyth was forced off with a leg injury, but captain Rhodri Lloyd shifted into that position and opened the scoring for the Lions.

Winger Mike Butt grabbed a brace before half time to give the home side a 16-0 lead at the break and despite a spirited fightback from Thunder, further scores from Jack Hansen and Geronimo Doyle secured a 28-16 victory.

Mark Foster, the RFL’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “After such a successful First Round weekend, which marked the first competitive action for more than a year for the 16 clubs involved, we’re delighted to have secured coverage of all four Second Round ties.

“To have two ties broadcast live by the BBC for the second consecutive round is another significant boost for the profile of the Betfred Challenge Cup and the clubs outside the Super League.

“This comes as the focus sharpens on which four clubs will earn places in the Third Round when the network coverage begins.”