A closer look at Widnes v Batley with Jack Owens | Betfred Challenge Cup Round 5

Round 5 of the Betfred Challenge Cup returns this weekend, and it is set to be a thrilling contest when Widnes Vikings entertain Batley Bulldogs on home soil.

It was one a piece last year in the league in the Betfred Championship - a fixture that has really stepped up in recent seasons, following several tight encounters between the two sides.

And the sides have faced each other seven times in the Betfred Challenge Cup’s history - dating all the way back to 1897 - with Widnes emerging victorious in five out of the seven cup ties.

Most recently, they contested against each another in the Sixth Round of the 2015 competition – the Vikings clinching a 26-22 win on home soil. The Bulldogs emphatically fought back from a 26-6 deficit in the early second half to make for a nervy last ten minutes, but a Kevin Brown masterclass would ensure that Widnes held on to progress to the next round.

And there’s just one player remaining from the then Super League Widnes side who featured in that 2015 Challenge Cup match - and this is club captain and loyal Widnes man Jack Owens.

2024 will be Owens’ 11th season as a Widnes player, having played for the side in two separate spells, where he has made a total of 153 appearances and scored over 900 points for the club. He also spent two years with St Helens where he made a huge name for himself - and has played for both Sheffield and Leigh respectively.

Now an experienced head and established goal-kicker within Allan Coleman’s side, Owens is about to enter this season having been awarded a 3-month testimonial, and could be in contention to play against the Bulldogs this Saturday - in the replica cup tie again with home advantage.

Several Batley players from 2015 could also feature, which includes the likes of Adam Gledhill, Alistair Leak and James Brown, as well as Matty Fozard, who made the move to the Vikings in 2022.

“I’m chomping at the bit to get back playing and I should be able to against Batley,” Owens said, after suffering a broken hand in Widnes' pre-season friendly against Warrington Wolves.

This frustrating injury meant the Vikings' star full-back was unable to assist in their AB Sundecks 1895 Cup journey or the earlier stages of the Challenge Cup, but will be in line for Widnes v Batley’s eighth Challenge Cup tie on Saturday.

“I do remember that game in 2015. Matty Fozard also played that game for Batley – and he plays for us now.

“That was probably my first realisation of the toughness of Championship opposition if I’m honest. I had played Championship teams before and enjoyed comfortable wins, but then Batley turned up and made it really difficult for us. If it wasn’t for Kev Brown that day, we might have been out of the Challenge Cup early.”

“It was a close game, I played at full-back and it was probably one of the rare occasions I got to play full-back in my first years at Widnes.”

Reflecting on Widnes’ start to the season so far, Owens admits the Vikings still have plenty to improve on ahead of the Betfred Championship commencing next week, but has been impressed with his side’s performances in the Challenge Cup competition:

“We’ve shown some promising signs, but there’s a lot to work on,” the versatile 29-year-old admitted.

“It’s been a challenge playing these competitive cup matches before the start of the league season, but personally I’m all for it and I think it keeps the shine on both trophies.

“The defeat against Swinton in the 1895 Cup was an indication that there are still things we need to work on, and that we need to move on quickly and look ahead.

“But in Challenge Cup we’ve put two brilliant performances in – in the Doncaster game we showed what we can do with the ball and what we can do at home.

“Last week against Bradford, the lads also put in a really good performance, as Odsal is one of the toughest places to go.

“Allan Coleman was buzzing with the win. He sets high targets when it comes to completion, and he said we’ll win this game if we do just that.”

With the Fifth Round fast approaching, Owens recognises the prestige of the Challenge Cup competition and is extremely grateful to still be playing in Widnes colours - a club that means so much to him:

“I wear my heart on my sleeve when it comes to this club – everyone says that about me. To still be playing for this club nearly ten years later is a massive achievement for me. Especially as a hometown lad and we’ve got a lot of hometown lads playing here now. My family are avid Widnes fans too.

“Playing for the town means a lot and even being that 20 year old playing against Batley in the Challenge Cup all those years ago to being 29 now and potentially playing Batley again – it’s great to still be getting opportunities to play for this club in cup competitions.

“It’s very unrealistic that we are going to go and get to a Challenge Cup Final, but to still be playing in these sorts of competitions ten years later is a massive achievement for myself and something that I don’t ever take for granted.

“With the heritage of the trophy, and Widnes’ cup history – you know what it means. Widnes are known for the Challenge Cup and all the fans remind you of that. One day in the future hopefully Widnes are back competing at the top where they belong.”

If anybody knows about the magic and possibility of the Challenge Cup then it’s Jack Owens himself, as he knows how great the chance is to be able to go on and play against top opposition:

“We’re one round away from Super League teams being introduced. From a playing point of view, you know it’s going to be a tough test, but when was the last time Widnes played a Super League club? Or maybe got to host a Super League club at home? It’s always great to test yourself against those teams.

“The cup competition gives you a massive chance to boost your own confidence within the team, boost the confidence of the fans and also get the fans on board. Widnes are known for having a good fan base. We always need them on board when we come into these one off and must-win games."

And the Challenge Cup is special for Owens for another reason, as he went on to reminisce about his favourite Challenge Cup memories:

“My debut for Widnes was actually in the Challenge Cup. I debuted against Siddal when I was 16 at The Shay in 2011.”

“And another favourite memory is playing against Castleford in the 2014 semi-final and scoring Widnes' only try - I’d never experienced anything like that before.

“Apart from a few players such as Kevin Brown and Danny Tickle, there weren’t many of us who had played in semi-finals and finals before, so it was a new experience for us all - and a brilliant day and memory.”

Looking ahead to the highly-anticipated cup tie with Batley this Saturday, Owens is excited for the occasion, as well as his potential return to the field, but is fully aware that his side should not be underestimating the Bulldogs when they come to town:

“We’ve had an extra week to prepare for it. We’re excited for it - it’s Saturday at 6pm and it’s something different for the lads.

“We want to win this game and face Super League opposition if we can, whilst embracing what the cup competition is about.

“Batley have been brilliant over the years, they have quality players and a big heavy forward pack.

“They have quality all over the pitch and they shouldn’t be underestimated – they know each other’s game inside and out.

“It’s going to be a test for us. But if our forwards can match theirs, then I’ll back our skill.

“We have to be focused with our defence, and if we can stop Batley getting a roll on, I’m confident we can come away with a victory.”

Aiming for a win on Saturday to give the Vikings confidence and momentum heading into the start of the league season next week, Owens also commented on what he hopes to achieve this year:

“I just want to enjoy my rugby this year. When I’m fully fit, I enjoy myself, I’m good for the team, and I can bring a lot to Widnes.

“I want to be out there for my testimonial months – it’s a rare occasion to be awarded one and to be awarded one for my hometown club is amazing. I’ve had brilliant support so far, so thank you to everyone.

“It’s a new year and it all feels relatively fresh and new here at Widnes, and I’m excited to see where the club can go towards the end of the year and see what happens.”

Tickets are still available for this Round 5 Challenge Cup tie. Fans can purchase tickets from Widnes Vikings' official club website by clicking here.

A full Betfred Challenge Cup Round 5 preview can be found here.

The Men's 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final (KO 3pm) 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 (KO 11.45am) and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup (KO 5.45pm). Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final at 10am. 

Tickets are available online now from only £15 Adults and £7.50 Under 16s, with family packages also available starting from just £18.75 for one Adult and two Under 16s. This early bird offer ends this Sunday - purchase your tickets today and avoid missing out!