It’s here that time of the year again, the glorious Challenge Cup. Over the years Salford have met quite a few sides from amateur Rugby League in the past and this Saturday Hammersmith Hills Hoists are the opponents.

The club were founded at the end of 2008 by local Australian’s. 

The Hoists played their first season in 2009 and they really made their mark with some thumping victories. They eventually beat Hemel Stags in the Grand Final. This is a club that has been used to winning and dominating at their level of our sport and they’ve also had success in the Challenge Cup. Victories over West Bowling and West Warriors in 2024 set up a round four clash at Halifax. They lost that match 50-4 but were far from disgraced.

The Southern Conference league is a growing competition around London and the Hoists are the reigning champions having won four Grand Finals, 2019, 2023,2024 and 2025.

Salford make the trip to Chiswick this Saturday for a teatime kick off against Hammersmith Hills Hoists. For the visitors it’s a real trip into the unknown. I don’t think anybody is quite sure what to expect or which way this match will go. 

With no pre-season and very limits training sessions it will definitely take time for Salford’s young players to get up to speed. The enthusiasm and attitude we saw on Friday night against Oldham was so encouraging and I think the supporters really appreciated the effort. It was great to be back at the Stadium without the circus of 2025. 

Challenge Cup Record against Amateur opposition. 

2008, Salford 66 Warrington Wizards 10.

1998, Ovenden 0 Salford 74.

1991, Salford 44 Cutsyke 4.

1990, Salford 56 Bisons 6.

For the winners on Saturday a home fixture in the next round to Hull FC is the prize. 

I think away trips are always exciting especially when you’re travelling to a ground you’re not visited before. We don’t see as many upsets in the Challenge Cup anymore but there are some very intriguing ties in round two this year, including some local derby games. If Blackbrook could turn Workington over then they would face St.Helens in the next round. Oldham side Waterhead have enjoyed real success in the Conference Leagues in recent seasons building some momentum. They face Rochdale Hornets on Sunday with the winners meeting Wigan in the next round. The rest of the fixtures are listed below.

Batley v Hunslet ARLFC

Blackbrook v Workington

Dewsbury v West Hull

Doncaster v Newcastle

Halifax v London Chargers

Heworth v keighley

Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton

London v Wests Warriors

Midlands Hurricanes v Aberavon Fighting Irish

Mirfield v Goole Vikings

Crusaders v Bedford Tigers

Oldham v Orrell St.James

Sheffield v Whitehaven 

Waterhead v Rochdale Hornets

Stanningley v Hunslet

Thatto Heath Crusaders v Widnes

Wigan St.Judes v Barrow

Hammersmith play there matches at Chiswick Rugby Union club which is right next to the river Thames. 

To everyone making the trip down there on Saturday have a safe journey and enjoy the match. Kick off is at 6pm.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.