Dave Craven: Hats off to Sky for recognising classic potential in Cup battle

You can almost hear Eddie Waring’s commentary piping through; you could not hope for a more traditional, full-blooded, good old-fashioned cup tie to help reminisce about marvellous pre-Super League days.

It is an instantly evocative fixture which should make enthralling viewing. Forget that Fev are no longer in the top flight.

But, alas, it is not on the Beeb. So what’s the catch?

It was revealed yesterday afternoon that Sky Sports, for the first time, will this year broadcast Carnegie Challenge Cup ties live as well as the BBC, starting with the eagerly-anticipated battle at Post Office Road on April 14.

Such great news that common sense had prevailed – unfashionable Featherstone’s tie would be televised – was tempered slightly by the fact the public broadcaster would not be covering it.

We all know Sky’s production and delivery is far superior to their rivals’, principally with its greater camera variety, and, so, they will certainly do it justice.

But is it just me or is it a real pity the Beeb did not show more confidence and select the tie themselves? Instead, they will broadcast Saturday evening’s Widnes v St Helens on BBC 2, kick-off 5.30pm.

You can understand their reasoning; an all-Super League contest is less likely to throw up a one-sided result and, Widnes’s modern stadia, will also offer a more polished backdrop.

Furthermore, given the two clubs’ cup pedigree – Saints’ dozen successes to seven from the Cheshire club – there will be ample opportunity to dig out the always well-received vintage film clips to swell the usual build-up.

However, is there really less chance of an embarrassing scoreline at struggling Widnes than at Featherstone?

Considering Castleford’s current woe at the foot of Super League, and painful memories of their 2010 exit to part-timers Barrow still lingering, the contest of these two famous derby rivals could be a lot closer than most.

Featherstone, under the astute Daryl Powell, have been the most consistent team outside of Super League for the last three years and have rafts of top-flight experience, including former Tigers Tommy Saxton and Jonny Hepworth plus the excellent Ian Hardman.

At a packed-out and atmospheric Big Fellas Stadium – to use its modern monicker – with fast-improving Featherstone desperate to show they should be the next club securing a Super League licence, it has all the hallmarks of a classic.

However, congratulations to Sky for ignoring the safe option themselves – they could so easily have pushed for Super League staples such as Hull FC v Huddersfield or Leeds v Wakefield Trinity.

The satellite broadcasters will screen further ties from the fifth and quarter-final rounds alongside the existing coverage on BBC1 and BBC2.

It follows on from the RFL securing a lucrative new five-year contract that will see the Challenge Cup shown on BBC until the end of the 2016 season.

“This arrangement will further elevate the profile of an iconic tournament which has a special place in the hearts of sports fans across the world,” said RFL chief executive Nigel Wood.

“This arrangement will give the sport massive levels of exposure and allow more people than ever before to enjoy the drama we have come to expect from the Challenge Cup.”

Undoubtedly, it is good news for the game as a whole as it seeks to increase its profile.

And certainly, given the unsavoury situation currently shrouding financially-crippled Bradford Bulls, it is much needed.

Who knows, if Featherstone can give a good account of themselves, they may yet earn a place back in the elite sooner than anyone expected.