Batley Bulldogs and Featherstone Rovers set for Challenge Cup showdown

Derby duel: Featherstone Rovers coach Brian McDermott. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

A mouth-watering Yorkshire derby between Championship sides Batley Bulldogs and Featherstone Rovers is the stand-out tie in the fifth round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

The draw last night paired Craig Lingard’s men with promotion favourites Rovers, while five-time winners Bradford Bulls host Leigh Centurions who won their fourth round ties 38-4 at home to Widnes Vikings last night.

York City Knights’ reward for beating Newcastle Thunder is a trip to Whitehaven, fourth round conquerors of Doncaster.

Sheffield Eagles, who saw off amateur side Hunslet Parkside at the weekend, visit North West Crusaders, who beat Hunslet.

The other tie is an all-Cumbrian affair between Barrow Raiders and Workington Town, with matches to be played on the weekend of March 12-13.

Draw: Barrow Raiders v Workington Town; Bradford Bulls v Leigh Centurions; Whitehaven v York City Knights; Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers; North West Crusaders v Sheffield Eagles.