London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder and Sheffield Eagles were all winners in their Preliminary ties, as the 1895 Cup competition got underway on Sunday.
The formidable Broncos remain unbeaten in 2026 across the league and 1895 Cup competitions, and continued their strong bid for silverware with a 36-10 victory over Barrow Raiders.
Jason Demetriou’s men opened the scoring on the third minute through Epel Kapinias, before the Raiders hit back through Tee Ritson on the 13th minute.
This was as close as it would get, however, and it was to be all London from this point onwards, with the hosts crossing a further five times in the capital.
Similarly, a high flying Sheffield Eagles maintained their perfect start to the season in both the Betfred Championship and 1895 Cup, and posted 50 unanswered points on Swinton Lions to progress to Round One.
This included a brace at either side of the match; two opening tries from George Griffin, before a Matty Marsh double rounded things off nicely.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Thunder claimed a hard-fought win away at Workington Town to reach Round One, emerging 28-12 victors on Sunday afternoon.
Thunder ran four tries past their Cumbrian opponents, before Town attempted a late comeback with two tries of their own.
But Brenden Santi, of the Newcastle side, ensured to produce a decisive score to put any sort of upset to bed.
The Broncos will host Keighley Cougars in the next round, whilst the Eagles make the trip to face Rochdale Hornets.
After Thunder’s result today, they will enjoy home advantage against Batley Bulldogs in Round One.
1895 Cup Preliminary Round results:
Sunday 15 March
London Broncos 36 Barrow Raiders 10
Workington Town 12 Newcastle Thunder 28
Swinton Lions 0 Sheffield Eagles 50
1895 Cup Round One ties:
London Broncos v Keighley Cougars
Doncaster RLFC v Salford RLFC
Dewsbury Rams v Widnes Vikings
Goole Vikings v Whitehaven RLFC
Oldham RLFC v Hunslet RLFC
Newcastle Thunder v Batley Bulldogs
North Wales Crusaders v Midlands Hurricanes
Rochdale Hornets v Sheffield Eagles
Key dates for the 1895 Cup:
Preliminary Round – 14/15 March
First Round - 18/19 April
Quarter Finals – 16/17 May
Semi Finals 13/14 June
Final – 31 August, venue TBC
Photo Credit: Newcastle Thunder
