A famous National Conference League side has withdrawn from this year’s Challenge Cup format just days before the start of the prestigious competition.
Wath Brow Hornets were due to take on Bradford-based West Bowling this weekend in a first-round clash. However, the Cumbrian side will not fulfil the tie, with the Hornets telling the Rugby Football League over the weekend that they have concerns over player safety and cannot complete the fixture.
Further details are still to emerge, with the RFL now set to determine what comes next, whether a new club is drafted in to face West Bowling or if the Bradford-based side gets a walkover for the fixture.
The latter option would ensure West Bowling get a bye into the second round, where they would face an exciting tie against Championship opponent Sheffield Eagles.
Wath Brow and the amateur game, which will try to demonstrate its strength by having its community clubs advance far in the competition once more, are both hurt by the withdrawal. The Cumbrian team advanced to the fourth round last year, where they faced another NCL team, York Acorn, who prevailed and faced the Halifax Panthers in the round of 32.
However, a return of such heights is over before it begins, with the club confirming to the RFL over the weekend that they will not fulfil their round one tie.
The full round one ties, including local NCL outfit West Hull, can be found below. Meanwhile, Hull FC and Hull KR enter the competition in round three.
