Six former winners of the BARLA National Cup have entered the reshaped 2024 competition.
Siddal, who won the Cup for the second time with their victory over Haresfinch in the 2023 Final, are one of 12 teams to receive a bye through to the First Round proper – which will be played on the weekend of April 27, with the competition shifted back in the calendar this year and building to a Final on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Haresfinch also have a bye along with their St Helens rivals Thatto Heath Crusaders, West Hull and Sharlston Rovers – three of the most successful clubs in the 50-year history of the BARLA National Cup, with a combined tally of 10 wins.
Two former winners are involved in the four Preliminary Round ties which will be played on Easter Saturday (March 30): Crosfields, the Warrington club who were champions in 1989, host Featherstone Lions, who were finalists in 2001; and Dudley Hill of Bradford, whose previous National Cup success came in 1984, also have home advantage against Westgate of Wakefield.
The 20 competing clubs come from the National Conference League and four regional leagues - Pennine, Cumberland, North West Mens and Yorkshire Mens.
Sue Taylor MBE, the Chair of BARLA, said: “I would like to thank all competing clubs for buying into this year’s BARLA National Cup and hope they all enjoy the journey attempting to reach the Final in August.
“A lot of hard work has gone on since last year’s Final behind the scenes to get to where we are today which sees an increase in the number of clubs entering the competition this year.”
Preliminary Draw (March 30):
Lowca v Keighley Albion
Halton Farnworth Hornets v Cutsyke Raiders
Dudley Hill v Westgate
Crosfields v Featherstone Lions
Byes to First Round (April 27)
Birkenshaw Bluedogs
Cockermouth Titans
Folly Lane
Haresfinch
Mirfield
Orrell St James
Rochdale Mayfield
Sharlston Rovers
Siddal
Thatto Heath Crusaders
Upton
West Hull
