Souths draw Wests

The draw for the first round of the Challenge Cup was made on Thursday night and threw up what only a few years back would have been unthinkable.

South London Storm vs West London Sharks.

South London Storm played for the first time in the Powergen Challenge Cup last year losing to Northern side West Bowling. West Bowling dominated he first half but with South London coming back into the game in the second half it was evenly pegged one try each showing that London sides can hold their own.

West London Sharks make their first appearance in the first round after defeating Scottish Champions Fife Lions 42-10 after dominating the first half.

Both teams are making history already: It's the first time both have been through to the first round. It's the first London Derby in the Challenge Cup

"Its going to be an awesome day for all involved at both clubs" said South London Chairman Paul Brown on the news "What a time for the two teams both looking to a good season to meet for the first time. Both are strong sides and both will be playing in the new Rugby League Conference Premier Division this season so is a great pre cursor to what we can expect at Storm Park this season."

"West London have always been a strong team in London and boast the likes of ex Parammatta player Mark Barnes in their side and last year had Wasps and Samoa international Trevor Leota in their ranks." Commented Coach Rob Powell "They will be a tough ask, but this is a cup match and any team would have been. We will prepare like we always do, we've been here before and like making history, the day cant come quick enough for us."

Paul Brown finished by saying "West London have been good foes in the past, hard, physical and a match for anyone. We get a chance to play them now on a national stage it can only be good for the game in London. We look forward to welcoming them to Storm park again its always a pleasure, lets hope we are the team smiling at the end."

There can be only one winner, there can be only one London side in Round 2 who will it be?

South London Storm vs West London Sharks @ New River stadium. Wood Green. Saturday 5th February at 12.45pm. Following this will be an annual friendly match between London Skolars and Super League outfit the London Broncos. Both matches will be well worth watching as last weekend the Skolars beat the Super League giants Bradford Bulls in Dublin. All this for just ?10!