Cup holders in Heavy Woollen Cup clash as others learn fate

The clash is scheduled for Wagon Lane on Sunday, April 21, when Waddilove Cup winners Steeton will also have home advantage - against Yorkshire Southern Premier League opponents Wakefield Thornes. 

Woodlands, who under-performed in losing last season’s final to New Farnley at Methley, travel to Bradford League opposition in Division One Carlton. 

Sam Frankland and his Woodlands team-mates lost the Priestley Cup final and Heavy Woollen Cup final on consecutive weekends last August. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

Pudsey Congs will be at home to Cawthorne, who bounced back from top-flight relegation in 2022 by winning the Yorkshire Southern Premier League Championship Division last term. 

Burley, sixth in Division One of the Aire-Wharfe League in 2023, will be at home to Rastrick, who were third in the Huddersfield League Championship Division. 

Haning Heaton will travel to Methley, while Birstall and Ossett have trips to Huddersfield League Premiership clubs in Honley and Scholes respectively. 

New Farnley, winners for the past three seasons, are one of two clubs to get byes to the second round on May 5, alongside East Bierley.  

Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup, first round: Beckwithshaw v Hemsworth MW, Bradford & Bingley v Townville, Burley v Rastrick, Carlton v Woodlands, Honley v Birstall, Hoylandswaine v Sandal, Kirkburton v Golcar, Methley v Hanging Heaton, Pudsey Congs v Cawthorne, Scholes (HL) v Ossett, Shelley v Barkisland, Shepley v Castleford, Steeton v Wakefield Thornes, Woodhouse Grange v Barnsley. Matches to be played on Sunday, April 21. Byes: New Farnley, East Bierley. 

Future rounds: Second round, May 5. Third round: June 2. Semi-finals: June 30. Final: August 4 (venue to be decided after first round).