As Round 1 of the Betfred Challenge Cup finally commences this week, there is one community club that could be hoping to reiterate a similar cup run to that they experienced last year.
Orrell St James, an amateur side currently competing in the Premier Division of the North West Men’s League, are based in Wigan and boast a proud history and the production of rugby league stars such as Jonny Lomax and Kevin Brown.
The side have won three consecutive Grand Finals in the North West Men’s League – firstly in 2021 and then in 2022 with a gutsy 10-6 win over Ashton Bears. This was before going on to retain their Champions status against Ashton Bears once more in 2023 wih a 16-2 victory, despite finishing third place behind the Bears and Haresfinch in the regular league table.
And where the Betfred Challenge Cup is concerned, Orrell enjoyed an impressive run in last year’s knockout tournament, as they managed to reach the third round of the historic rugby league competition, before falling agonisingly short and missing out on a fourth round spot.
Their Challenge Cup run began last year on the road vs. Distington, where they confidently kickstarted their cup campaign with a 16-4 victory. This would then be followed by a comprehensive and convincing 68-14 home win against Dublin City Exiles in the second round – an incredible afternoon for the Orrell fanbase as they witnessed a 12 try extravaganza.
This also meant Orrell St James would go one step further than they had in 2022, when they were disappointingly knocked out of the first round in an 18-10 defeat against British Army – despite leading 6-0 at half-time. This match had been selected for coverage on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport, as fans would see Orrell bow out of the competition at the earliest stage.
The third round of the 2023 competition then saw Orrell St James drawn against League One side Midlands Hurricanes, and in adverse weather conditions to say the least, this clash would soon become a dramatic spectacle for both sets of fans in attendance. It would be Orrell supporters who would have the first cheers of the game, as the spirited community side would take the lead early on in the first half.
A late drop goal by the Hurricanes would eventually clinch a 19-12 win however, but the Orrell side would have been proud of their efforts, as they were able to push a team from professional ranks to the final minutes. And there could be the opportunity to do this again in 2024, if Orrell are able to repeat their previous cup stretch.
All eyes will therefore be on their Round 1 fixture this Sunday, as Orrell host Challenge Cup debutants Haresfinch, in a Wigan vs. St Helens showdown. Orrell will have a home advantage but will not want to underestimate first-timers Haresfinch, who are looking to make an impact in their maiden cup match and go as far as they can in the competition.
Fans can tune in to watch The Sportsman’s coverage of this Betfred Challenge Cup Round 1 clash on Sunday 14 January, 2pm kick-off, as it promises to be an enticing viewing.
