Barrow Island have been entered into the Challenge Cup for the first time since 2005 and will represent Cumbria alongside Distington in the first round, writes Paddy McAteer.

The draw takes place on Thursday, December 5 with the games to be played on the weekend of January 11/12.

This will be Island’s first appearance since they faced Elland in the second round. Their first-ever Challenge Cup tie came in when 1989 they faced Thatto Heath at Craven Park, losing 18-11.

In 1994, they were drawn at Hunslet where they lost 58-2 after defeating fellow amateurs Moorends and Walney Central. Twelve months later, they had trips to Ryedale-York again they lost 50-20 after accounting for Norlands and West Hull.

Club stalwart said “It’s good to be back in the Challenge Cup - we were invited last year after gaining promotion to the First Division of the Conference but felt at the time we were not ready, so it is nice to be invited back this year.

“We look forward to getting a home draw, we really can’t wait for the draw to be held. We were hoping to play on our new pitch but I don’t think it will be ready.

“There are some interesting teams in the competition - Irish, Scots and London - so we await with interest.”

Last year, Millom made history in the competition when they faced Serbians Red Star Belgrade before a crowd of over 1,500, progressing to the second round.