Thornhill Trojans marched into the Challenge Cup Second Round with an impressive display against RAF, running out 24-6 winners.
The Dewsbury outfit don't begin their NCL campaign until March, so First Round progression after a lack of match rhythm and training is never easy.
Reflecting on a successful opening round, Head Coach Danny Ratcliffe said: "Overall I was very happy with the performance and the result. It was a very good hit out and we couldn't have asked for a better tie to see where we were at in pre-season.
"It gave us an opportunity to see where we could improve and what changes needed to be made over the next few weeks before the season starts. The RAF were everything we expected - a fit, strong physical side who should be proud of the performance they put in."
Ratcliffe was clearly pleased with the outcome of the First Round, but knows his side are prepared for the upcoming challenges: "It was good for the lads to build their confidence between each other and start to get together again on the field.
"After a great First Round performance and knowing what lies ahead, the lads are certainly looking forward to this season and certainly gone up a gear in preparing for what’s to come."
There were plenty of eyes on the Trojans during their First Round victory, with club secretary Andrew Byram keen to point out the amazing support the club has: "It was so pleasing to see a 500+ crowd in Overthorpe Park again, and this was despite Dewsbury Rams hosting Huddersfield Giants on the same afternoon."
The win over RAF means that Thornhill have earned a trip to League One side Doncaster - the clubs met in the Third Round back in 2020, in a sharply contested cup tie that Thornhill were unlucky to lose.
Looking back on a memorable day, Ratcliffe said: "I remember it being a very tough game against a very good side, led by a great coach. We were the underdogs that day as most amateur teams are against a professional side, so we had nothing to lose.
"But the way the lads carried themselves that day I couldn't be more proud of what they had given. The game was close throughout the full 80 minutes and all it takes is one special moment or someone slipping, and the game can just change like that.
"Unfortunately, that’s what happened that day and that’s rugby league for you. The lads were heartbroken at the end of the game and it’s totally expected as we would have pulled off another shock in our Challenge Cup history."
Hoping to avenge the defeat, the significance of being able to compete in the Challenge Cup isn’t lost on the club - Byram said: "It is always a privilege to take part in this competition. Thornhill Trojans have a proud history having beaten professional opposition twice - Sheffield Eagles in 2000 and Workington Town in 2006.
"It is an opportunity for players to make their own little piece of history. We are really looking forward to Sunday's game."
The novelty of the draws hasn't worn off either, with Ratcliffe adding: "I've always tuned into to watch or listen to the draws, and the feeling you get when your team is read out puts you on your toes as you listen to see who your opponent is - it’s huge."
Ahead of a huge cup tie that precedes their NCL campaign for 2022, the players are more motivated than ever to make the season a special one. When asked about how preparations are going, Ratcliffe said: "We've only played one game so far but the hard work they have been putting in brings rewards, and one of them is facing a professional side in the cup which we all aspire to do.
"It's a big occasion for everyone involved but the lads are calm, and we will try our best to keep it that way."
It's pre-season with a twist for Thornhill - in what is usually a gruelling and demanding time of year, the Trojans have their tails up. Byram said: "Ever since the game against the RAF there has been a buzz about the place.
"Thornhill is a good club to be involved with and this has been reflected in the number of players signed on already for the new season."
The Trojans travel to Doncaster on Sunday 30th January, with kick-off at 15:00.
They may be underdogs, but the positivity and pride amongst a camp full of motivated players means Ratcliffe and his men have every right to dream - can they avenge 2020's heartbreak?
Tickets for the 2022 Betfred Challenge Cup Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 28 May are available to purchase here.
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