Lock Lane earn right to take on holders Hull KR in huge Challenge Cup tie
Lock Lane ARL are gearing up for one of the biggest challenges in their history after beating Brighouse Rangers to set up an exciting and lucrative Betfred Challenge Cup third round tie against holders Hull KR.
The Castleford amateurs are due to host the 2025 treble winners in a mouthwatering cup clash, although their Lock Lane ground is likely to be too small to stage such a game and they may have to switch the tie to Hull KR’s Craven Park or maybe up the road to the Tigers’ OneBore Stadium.
Wherever played it will add to Lane’s already rich history in the famous competition when they have taken on a number of professional clubs, not without success.
In this year’s competition a convincing 42-6 success at Brighouse saw Lane through to the second round where they have a bye as they were initially drawn out against neighbours Featherstone Rovers, who have not been allowed into the cup this year after failing to win RFL membership.
The Castleford team will this year play in the National Conference top flight and were favourites to overcome a Rangers team set to be in the Yorkshire Men’s League, but they were stunned to fall behind as Andrew Esmond crossed for a try after just five minutes.
But Karl Frankland’s conversion proved to be Brighouse’s last acquaintance with the scoreboard.
Lane eased to a 14-6 interval lead through a Lewis Price brace, a Kyle Cranswick effort and a Connor Jordan conversion.
And, in a one-sided second half Jordan, Morgan Jones, Rob Jowett and Cranswick again all went over while Price raced in to complete his hat-trick.
Nathan Fozzard kicked four conversions in the 42-6 success that augurs well for a better season this time round for the Castleford outfit.