South Wales RL
Raiders to host rugby league stalwarts Widnes in Cup
Widnes coming to Wales
By Chris O'Brien
February 11 2021
The West Wales Raiders will face one of rugby league's most established names, Widnes Vikings, in the first round of the 2021 Challenge Cup.
It's a hugely exciting draw for the Raiders at what feels a pivotal moment for the future of rugby league in this part of the world.
Widnes - formed in 1875 - have won the competition on seven occasions; most recently in 1984, and will begin their latest endeavour in the tournament on the weekend of March 21.
Sadly, the game will almost certaintly be played behind closed doors due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In less surreal circumstances, the glamour tie would have been an ideal opportunity to promote the sport in the Llanelli area and beyond.
Raiders are one of only three League One clubs to choose to participate in this year's competition - joined by Barrow and Keighley.
It is not totally clear why only three League One clubs are participating - with reports and statements suggesting that all other third-flight clubs chose to withdraw amid the continuing challenges posed by coronavirus. However, this has been contested by some - including Rochdale and Hunslet - who have alleged a selection process took place rather than other League One clubs opting to withdraw.
An RFL statement read: “Given the unique circumstances of 2021, and with such a lengthy period between the early Challenge Cup rounds and the start of their league season, entry to the Challenge Cup was made optional for the 10 Betfred League 1 clubs, with the RFL stressing the importance of public health and financial considerations. The majority remained keen to enter, but that would have required an additional, preliminary round on March 14 – which led to the withdrawal of all bar Barrow, Keighley and West Wales, who will now complete a first round of 16 clubs.”
The Cup tie will mark the first time the Raiders have played in more than one year, after the 2020 season was curtailed after only three matches due to the global health crisis. Those three games were all heavy defeats for the Raiders - including a 30-8 home reverse to non-league Underbank in the Cup, watched by 50 spectators at Stebonheath Park.
However, with the club in its third incarnation, and entering its 13th season in exsistence, a renewed mood of optimism has descended on the small band of long-suffering league fans following club rugby in South and West Wales.
The Raiders have added Rangi Chase - who will face his former club of Widnes - and Gavin Henson to their roster in recent months; and the club's decision to enter the Challenge Cup - reportedly when many League One clubs felt unable to do so - has to be positive, too.
Elsewhere, there's a string of first round Yorkshire derbies - including Sheffield Eagles and York City Knights doing battle. Featherstone entertaining Bradford Bulls pairs two other big names from the white rose county.
In the unlikely event the Raiders can shock Widnes and progress, they'll again be at home in round two - against either Whitehaven or Dewsbury Rams. The 12 Super League clubs enter the competition at the third round stage, with the grand Wembley finale scheduled for July 17.
The full first round draw is as follows:
London Broncos v Keighley Cougars
Whitehaven v Dewsbury Rams
Oldham v Barrow Raiders
West Wales Raiders v Widnes Vikings
Swinton Lions v Newcastle Thunder
Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs
Sheffield Eagles v York City Knights
Featherstone Rovers v Bradford Bulls
Widnes - formed in 1875 - have won the competition on seven occasions; most recently in 1984, and will begin their latest endeavour in the tournament on the weekend of March 21.
Sadly, the game will almost certaintly be played behind closed doors due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In less surreal circumstances, the glamour tie would have been an ideal opportunity to promote the sport in the Llanelli area and beyond.
Raiders are one of only three League One clubs to choose to participate in this year's competition - joined by Barrow and Keighley.
It is not totally clear why only three League One clubs are participating - with reports and statements suggesting that all other third-flight clubs chose to withdraw amid the continuing challenges posed by coronavirus. However, this has been contested by some - including Rochdale and Hunslet - who have alleged a selection process took place rather than other League One clubs opting to withdraw.
An RFL statement read: “Given the unique circumstances of 2021, and with such a lengthy period between the early Challenge Cup rounds and the start of their league season, entry to the Challenge Cup was made optional for the 10 Betfred League 1 clubs, with the RFL stressing the importance of public health and financial considerations. The majority remained keen to enter, but that would have required an additional, preliminary round on March 14 – which led to the withdrawal of all bar Barrow, Keighley and West Wales, who will now complete a first round of 16 clubs.”
The Cup tie will mark the first time the Raiders have played in more than one year, after the 2020 season was curtailed after only three matches due to the global health crisis. Those three games were all heavy defeats for the Raiders - including a 30-8 home reverse to non-league Underbank in the Cup, watched by 50 spectators at Stebonheath Park.
However, with the club in its third incarnation, and entering its 13th season in exsistence, a renewed mood of optimism has descended on the small band of long-suffering league fans following club rugby in South and West Wales.
The Raiders have added Rangi Chase - who will face his former club of Widnes - and Gavin Henson to their roster in recent months; and the club's decision to enter the Challenge Cup - reportedly when many League One clubs felt unable to do so - has to be positive, too.
Elsewhere, there's a string of first round Yorkshire derbies - including Sheffield Eagles and York City Knights doing battle. Featherstone entertaining Bradford Bulls pairs two other big names from the white rose county.
In the unlikely event the Raiders can shock Widnes and progress, they'll again be at home in round two - against either Whitehaven or Dewsbury Rams. The 12 Super League clubs enter the competition at the third round stage, with the grand Wembley finale scheduled for July 17.
The full first round draw is as follows:
London Broncos v Keighley Cougars
Whitehaven v Dewsbury Rams
Oldham v Barrow Raiders
West Wales Raiders v Widnes Vikings
Swinton Lions v Newcastle Thunder
Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs
Sheffield Eagles v York City Knights
Featherstone Rovers v Bradford Bulls
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Discussion started by South Wales RL (IP Logged), 11/02/2021 21:00
11/02/2021 21:00
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Hopefully in the event of the tie being played behind closed doors we will get some decent TV coverage....
Great draw whatever!!!
Great draw whatever!!!
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