Barrow Island are up for the challenge as they face a tough away draw at York Acorn in the second round of the Coral Challenge Cup.

Island earned the right to meet the National Conference League Premier Division side after thrashing Rhondda Outlaws 84-6 at Rating Lane last weekend.

It was a game that saw Sam Jones and Ben Garner score over half the points between them, as Garner ran in four tries while Jones crossed the whitewash once and booted 12 goals.

Acorn won through with a 36-14 home win over Hammersmith Hills Hoists in atrocious conditions.

"It is massive challenge for the boys and another step to see where we are, some of their lads are on group chat with some of our lads so they have been chatting about the game," said coach Joe Elliott.

"It is another learning curve for the lads playing against one of the Premier leagues top sides and on hearing the draw were all up for it."

Island will have no game this weekend but are preparing for what lies ahead as they aim to reach round three and the prospects of facing league one opposition.

Elliott said: “We'll look to take last week's win into the game, in which I thought we were ruthless with all the lads wanting to impress and keep a shirt for round two.

"They never took their foot off the gas and at times we played exciting rugby by running in 15 tries.

"And though Barrow play the same weekend, I feel Jones and Garner will make the trip to York. The coaching staff will sit down and discuss the 17 to play, we all have our ideas what the line up will be.

"We are always looking at permutations as to what is a certain player's best position and we will look at those who never played against Rhondda there is plenty of competition.

"We are in a good position regarding the squad we have plenty of numbers and it would be nice to go through and draw Barrow.”

Island will also be in action at Rating Lane on February 15 when they take on Walney Central in the first round of the Barton and Townley Cup.

A week earlier, Hindpool Tigers are home to Askam while Ulverston play host to Roose Pioneers and Dalton take on Millom at Kelland Park on February 22.