AFTER a superb win at Normanton Knights in the first round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, Distington could have been excused a few groans after being handed another away tie in round two.

But such was the manner of their victory at the Conference Division One side, the villagers are not unduly perturbed over their trip to York Acorn tomorrow.

Coach Carl Hewer said: “A cup competition is what it is, down to the luck of the draw and we will just take it as it comes.

“We were massive underdogs at Normanton and it will be the same on Saturday against York Acorn. They actually beat Normanton in last season’s play-off final to go up into the Premier with Kells.

“They are a big, physical side particularly among the forwards – a typical Yorkshire side in many ways so we know what to expect. We are taking a strong squad although one of our big props Brian Ritchie is unavailable this weekend but we will be going there to have a good go.

“The win at Normanton was very pleasing because it was our first game of the season and I didn’t expect our timing to be as good as it was. We played some great rugby and scored some cracking tries, which was very pleasing having gone onto it as under-dogs.”

Distington have been enjoying a golden period in their history, crowned last year by the championship of the Cumbria Men’s League.

“This squad has been together for a few years now and we are delighted with how it’s come together. It was terrific to win the Men’s League, which I think is a very good competition and one that looks like getting stronger with Ellenborough and Hensingham joining this time.

“We start the new league season on March 12 against Hensingham and it would be nice to have made more Challenge Cup progress by then.”

Probably the tie of the round, however, will be in west Cumbria at Kells where the new National Premier Division side take-on first-round shockers Underbank Rangers.

The First Division side produced the performance of the round to win against Leigh Miners Rangers who had been the stand-out team last season, landing a treble of trophies.

Kells coach Peter Smith said: “That was a terrific result for them so we are expecting a tough contest. We pipped them for promotion in our first season in the Conference set-up and since then they have followed us through, now reaching the First Division.

“They are obviously a club on the rise and I hear they have named Darren ‘Rocky’ Turner in the squad for Saturday. He’s 42 now but has been a top pro in his day with Sheffield and Huddersfield.”

During the 1980s and 1990s, Rangers fed the professional game with many players including Paul Dixon the Great Britain International, the Huddersfield Giants player Eorl Crabtree as well as Turner.

“They had a very good win in the first round, which will have lifted them, while we won comfortably in a gale force win against Nottingham. With all due respect that wasn’t much of a test for our first outing of the season while they will be better prepared after that win against Leigh Miners Rangers,” said Smith.

Egremont Rangers moved through to the quarter finals of the BARLA National Cup last Saturday when they beat Queens 18-12 at Gillfoot.

They have the chance to follow-up tomorrow in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup when they entertain Rochdale Mayfield.

Coach Gary Charlton missed the Queens game but is back from holiday to assume control for the Challenge Cup-tie.

The third tie being played in west Cumbria sees Wath Brow Hornets entertain Oulton Raiders.

Hornets fielded their A team last week at Mirfield Stags in the National Cup and produced a very spirited performance before going under 9-6. The Wath Brow side will have a more experienced look about it against the Raiders.