4 ties you can’t miss in Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Fourth Round
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They hold the record as the lowest-ranked side ever to reach the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Fourth Round, and Haydock are now looking to take their biggest scalp yet, in the form of Championship Oldham Roughyeds.
And that’s just one of the top ties you can’t miss this week.
London Broncos v Toronto Wolfpack
When Ladbrokes News caught up with four-time Challenge Cup winner Jamie Peacock earlier this week, the 39-year-old described the Canadian club’s inclusion as “fantastic for the competition”.
We couldn’t agree more, but they’re far from the only exciting thing about this tie. Step forward the Broncos, who have impressed so far in the Championship, winning four of their opening six games. So, will it be the star-studded new boys or the experienced Broncos who take this cup cracker? We’ll find out on Friday night…
Oldham Roughyeds v Haydock
The visitors may be huge underdogs as they head to Bower Fold on Saturday, but they’ve made a habit of upsetting the odds already in this year’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, having grabbed a priceless win away at Wests Warriors last time out. And it’s fair to say they can’t wait for this tie to get underway.
— Haydock ARLFC (@HaydockOA) March 17, 2017
For their part, Oldham will be looking to emulate the class of 1927, 80 years on. The Roughyeds last won this competition in that year, and while that might be a bridge too far here, they’ll be confident of getting a good start against last season’s NW Mens Premier League champions.
And while Bower Fold is sure to be a special place to be this weekend, you can also watch this one from the comfort of your sofa – with the tie streamed on the BBC Sport website from 13:00.
Toulouse Olympique v Batley Bulldogs
After promotion from Championship 1 last term, many wondered how the team from Haute-Garonne would fare in the second tier this term. But they’ve answered their critics brilliantly, and currently sit in third place.
However, they’re set for a real tussle against a Batley side who reached the Sixth Round of this competition in 2016. Both have been high scorers so far, so expect plenty of excitement as the two face off in France.
Hull Kingston Rovers v Sheffield Eagles
Craven Park sees an all-Yorkshire tie as the hosts – who have soared to the top of the Championship table – look to avoid a potential banana skin against the Eagles.
The visitors squeezed past Swinton Lions at this stage last season, but it’s the Robins who have the bigger pedigree in recent years, having reached the final back in 2015. Expect another swashbuckling display from the hosts.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
