Amateur clubs bring joy in first round of the Challenge Cup

Community amateur rugby league clubs played first-round Challenge Cup ties across the UK, with Bedford Tigers winning their first-ever match in the competition and Aberavon becoming the first amateur Welsh club to win a Challenge Cup tie.

Community rugby clubs were front and centre across the UK as first-round ties of the Challenge Cup took place this weekend. Matches ran from Bedford to Banbridge and included 34 community clubs competing for places against higher-level opponents in later rounds. Bedford Tigers hosted and won their first-ever Challenge Cup match, while Aberavon Fighting Irish recorded the first win by an amateur Welsh club in the competition. The early rounds mixed familiar grassroots scenes with a longer history of occasional amateur entries since the 1990s and earlier decades. Match highlights: - 34 community clubs played in the first round. - Bedford Tigers hosted their first Challenge Cup match and secured their first victory in the competition. - Aberavon Fighting Irish beat Banbridge Broncos 32-26, the first Challenge Cup win by an amateur Welsh club. - Other results included Thatto Heath Crusaders 78-10 Seaton Rangers and Hammersmith Hills Hoists 18-4 Royal Navy. - The second-round draw pairs Hammersmith Hills Hoists with Salford and leaves Bedford with a potential home tie against Leigh Leopards if they beat North Wales Crusaders. Summary: The first round highlighted grassroots rugby's community spirit and produced notable local milestones, including Bedford's debut win and Aberavon's milestone Welsh victory. Winners will advance to second-round ties, with several amateur clubs set to discover whether they will meet higher-level opposition in later rounds.