Rugby League today thanks the army of volunteers from both community and professional clubs, who defied Arctic conditions to ensure it was 'game on' at all the weekend's Betfred Challenge Cup ties.
Several of the 16 fixtures were under threat, with pitches buried beneath the snow and subject to early morning inspections on both Saturday and Sunday.
Only the determination of Rugby League's unsung heroes ensured that the games were played.
Sue Taylor, the RFL’s Vice President and Chair of the British Amateur Rugby League Association, said: “It was a fantastic team effort across the sport, with volunteers from both the professional and community game working tirelessly against the elements to get games on. I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ on behalf of the RFL.
“Once the call went out from the likes of Tony Baker at Westgate Common, Tom Bell at Stanningley and Joe McCormack at Siddal, volunteers responded magnificently to help get games on.
“Their opponents – Hunslet ARLFC, Newcastle Thunder and Sheffield Eagles - all worked with those clubs to ensure they could host their respective fixtures.
“Volunteers at Batley, Bradford and Dewsbury also helped move snow from their pitches.
“Orrell St James and Wests Warriors worked with their professional opponents to ensure their games went ahead, and the post-match ‘Haka’ at the DCBL Stadium was one of the highlights of the round.
“And it was lovely to see big crowds down the touchlines at Westgate, Orrell, Siddal and on the BBC’s streaming of the Thatto Heath v North Wales Crusaders game.
“The involvement of teams and clubs from the community game is one of the reasons why the Challenge Cup is such a special competition – and congratulations to Hunslet ARLFC and Rochdale Mayfield, who have come through the first three rounds to make sure there are two community teams in Wednesday night’s Fourth Round draw.
“Delaying some games by 24 hours provided some challenges with medical cover, but I’d like to thank all the doctors and physiotherapists who changed their plans to accommodate those matches.
“And finally, thanks to Ryan Cox from the RFL for co-ordinating arrangements within the match officials department. Without match officials we have no game.”
