It is Round Two of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup competition on Sunday, with a group of enticing fixtures set to take place - following Round One's interesting results.
Batley Bulldogs entertain Featherstone Rovers at the Fox's Biscuits Stadium, with both sides coming into this match on the back of a convincing win last weekend. The Rovers are undefeated in their last eight away meetings with Batley and recently completed the double over the Bulldogs in 2023. But will it be third time lucky for James Ford's men in this 1895 cup tie?
There is also a Cumbrian derby taking place between Whitehaven RLFC and Barrow Raiders, and the unbeaten Raiders will be hoping they can further capitalise on their current stunning run of form, making it two 1895 Cup wins from two - and five consecutive wins when counting their pre-season friendlies in January. Elsewhere, Swinton Lions will host Widnes Vikings on home soil, and the Lions will be hoping to reiterate similar success to that of Round One, where they comfortably beat North Wales Crusaders away. And this time, they will have the home advantage.
Over to the Eco-Power Stadium and there’s a fierce derby between Doncaster and inaugural winners Sheffield in this weekend’s group ties. The teams haven’t met since 2019, where the Eagles clinched a 32-28 victory in the 1895 Cup Quarter Final against the Dons – which is still the furthest a Betfred League One side has progressed in this competition.
The newly-promoted Dons will be making a return to the Betfred Championship in 2024, following their remarkable League One Grand Final win over North Wales Crusaders. This means Doncaster will come face to face with their South Yorkshire rivals a minimum of three times this year, but Sunday’s highly-anticipated cup clash will be their first focus. Doncaster will look to make it two successive group stage victories, following an impressive Round One win over Midlands Hurricanes.
On the other side of Yorkshire, York Knights host 1895 Cup debutants Wakefield Trinity – for the first time since 1997.
Trinity enter this competition following their relegation from the Betfred Super League, and will be relishing the opportunity to compete in a tournament where there could be a more realistic chance of winning the silverware on offer.
But York should not be underestimated, as they come into Round Two with an astounding 114-10 victory under their belt, when they thrashed Newcastle Thunder in the First Round. They were also 1895 Cup finalists in 2021, so are well aware of what it takes to reach legendary Wembley, and will yearning for a return.
Following a strong recruitment drive and with clear goals outlined by the Club, York’s determination to compete and be a top Championship outfit in 2024 is evident, and this is set to be a thrilling encounter at the LNER Stadium.
In West Yorkshire, Dewsbury Rams will be looking to right their wrongs from last week’s heavy defeat to Keighley Cougars, when Dale Ferguson's men take on Bradford Bulls at the FLAIR Stadium. The Bulls enter the 1895 Cup competition with confidence and momentum - on the back of a convincing derby win over a young Leeds Rhinos side last weekend. Bradford have also experienced an action-packed pre-season, playing in four friendlies and fully utilising their entire squad across these matches - in order test out their new pairings and combinations, and highlighting that they mean business in 2024.
And it could be a significant tie for another reason, as Bradford's Joe Arundel and Michael Lawrence both need just one appearance to reach 350 and 250 in their career respectively - should they feature in Sunday's game.
Meanwhile, Halifax will be out for revenge when they travel over the Pennines to Rochdale’s home ground in the second group stage. The Panthers fell agonisingly short against League One’s Oldham last Sunday and can settle for nothing less than a win, if they are to retain their 1895 Cup Trophy and title.
The AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Round Two fixtures in full (all Sunday 4 February):
Information and kick-off times regarding the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup fixtures can be found in the Rugby League Match Centre.
The AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, alongside the finals of the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup and Men's 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final.
