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York Knights will compete in their first Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final in almost 20 years when they host Betfred Super League high-flyers Leigh Leopards at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (5pm)!
York dispatched community club West Bowling 52-12 before overcoming fellow Betfred Championship rivals Sheffield Eagles (24-22), Newcastle Thunder (22-18) and London Broncos (36-12) to secure their place in the last eight – their first appearance at such a stage since 2004.
The Knights’ reward such their mazy cup run is a match-up against Leigh side on an eight-match winning run in all competitions.
Wakefield Trinity have thrice been beaten (0-32, 12-40 and 4-30) while Leeds Rhinos (20-6), Castleford Tigers (30-6), Huddersfield Giants (4-30), Warrington Wolves (30-12) and Hull FC (28-16) have all fallen victim to the Leopards over the past three months.
Over the last 10 Betfred Super League matches, Leigh have collected 16 points – more than any other top-flight side – having scored 250 (a division-high) and conceded 120 (a division-low).
Head Coach Adrian Lam, who side sit third, two points adrift of leaders Catalans Dragons, could not have wished for a better first-half to the season, having secured promotion from the Betfred Championship last year.
Although already boasting a star-studded squad, Leigh added heavily to their ranks after their Super League return was sealed.
Ex-England trio Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe and Oliver Holmes provided seasoned Betfred Super League experience alongside former Great Britain international Jack Hughes.
Samoa international centre Ricky Leutele arrived from Huddersfield Giants, full-back Gareth O’Brien joined from Castleford Tigers and forwards Matt Davis and Robbie Mulhern departed from Warrington Wolves as Leigh built a side capable of not just surviving but thriving in Super League.
Although York will enter as sizeable underdogs against heavy favourites Leigh, the Knights have managed to produce arguably their best displays this year in the Betfred Challenge Cup.
Sheffield, who sit second in the Betfred Championship, were beaten 24-22 despite spending the majority of the contest down to 12 men after the first-half sending off of Danny Kirmond.
Meanwhile, the 36-12 victory over London last month was the Knights’ biggest win over a professional side since early March’s 40-0 triumph over Swinton Lions.
The LNER Community Stadium will host an historic double header involving two Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final ties on Sunday.
York Valkyrie face Cardiff Demons in the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup (2pm) before York Knights meet Betfred Super League side Leigh Leopards (5pm) in the Betfred Men's Challenge Cup.
General Admission tickets are priced at £20 for Adults, £15 for Concessions and FREE for Under-16s and can be purchased HERE. Alternatively, you can head to the Ticket Office (next door to the Club Shop) or call 01904 942232.
Hospitality tickets are also on sale NOW! Premier Club tickets are priced at £30 for Adults, £25 for Concessions (17-21-year-olds and over-65s) and £10 for Under-16s. Premier Club can be purchased online HERE or please email info@yorkrlfc.com.
Two-course Dining tickets are priced at £45 for Adults and Concessions (17-21-year-olds and over-65s) and £25 for Under-16s. Dining tickets can purchased online HERE or please email info@yorkrlfc.com.
