Bentley ready to roll

RUGBY: OLDHAM ST Anne’s are bracing themselves for an invasion from South Yorkshire after they were drawn at home to Bentley Good Companions in the preliminary round of this season’s Challenge Cup.

The Doncaster outfit are making their debut in the famous knock-out competition and will be cheered on by three coach-loads of fans on February 4 (2pm kick-off).

Good Companions, fourth in Division One of the CMS Yorkshire League, have strong links with the Doncaster professional club and players who have represented both sides are expected to attend.

Waterhead are also in preliminary round action, and they make the trip to the University of Hull.

Victory for National Conference League side St Anne’s would see them visit Loughborough University or Hunslet Warriors in the first round proper on February 18/19.

If Waterhead get through, they are away to Nottingham Outlaws or the winners of the Yorkshire Cup.

Because Saddleworth Rangers play in the Premier Division of the NCL, they don’t enter the competition until the second-round stage on March 10.