In the shadow of Heathrow and glow of Thorpe Park, a band of Arsenal loyalists have built something lasting — a grassroots club with old-school values, writes LAYTH YOUSIF
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New Challenge Cup format to be reviewed as amateur teams prepare to face giants
St Helens' Alex Walmsley is tackled by Leeds Rhinos' Mikolaj Oledzki (left) and Leeds Rhinos' Cameron Smith (right) during the Betfred Challenge Cup match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds, March 22, 2024
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RUGBY league chiefs have defended the right of amateur clubs to aspire to take on Super League opposition in the Challenge Cup but conceded this season’s revamped format has been far from perfect.
Three clubs from the community game face daunting tasks against top-flight sides on Saturday, with West Hull playing St Helens, York Acorn taking on Hull, and London-based Wests Warriors travelling to Headingley to face Leeds in round three.
All three games have been switched from the amateur teams’ home grounds due to RFL regulations, squashing any prospect of a spectacle and instead raising the probability of triple-figure scores and possibly record-breaking defeats.
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