Significance of Cup is not lost on semi-finalists vying for Blackpool

Keighley drew Widnes in last night's semi-final draw after beating York City Knights 32-6 in yesterday's quarter-final.

Widnes, who reached the last four with a 26-12 victory over Barrow Raiders, must travel to West Yorkshire on the weekend of June 19 and 20.

The other semi-final sees Leigh Centurions, the tournament favourites, host Batley Bulldogs – who yesterday edged out Sheffield Eagles 26-16 – at Leigh Sports Village in a televised match on Thursday, June 17.

Keighley head coach Barry Eaton knows reaching the final in Blackpool next month would be a terrific achievement.

"For us to get to Blackpool would be outstanding," he said. "The final at Blackpool is now a massive day on the rugby league calendar for all Championship clubs.

"The Northern Rail Cup has moved up a notch the last two seasons, because of the fact that winning it ticks a box for clubs trying to get into Super League.

"In the past perhaps some of the biggest clubs used it as a bit of a pre-season, but now everyone takes it seriously and that's made it more important."

Batley Bulldogs' Paul Handforth is determined to make up for the disappointment of losing the 2005 final against Castleford Tigers.

"That's the aim – I don't remember much about the 2005 final. I know it was a good day – apart from the result," he said.

"The gulf between part-time and full-time players is now so big that this competition means an awful lot to the clubs in the Co-operative Championships."

Tickets for the 2010 Northern Rail Cup Final at Bloomfield Road on Sunday, July 18 are now available.

Prices start from 5 for concessions and 12 for adults and can be purchased from the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 11 13 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk