The battle to succeed St Helens as Challenge Cup holders began this weekend with the preliminary round of the 2005 competition. A total of 36 teams from across the whole of Great Britain took part, hoping to earn a place in Thursday's first round draw.
Scottish champions Fife Lions had to make the longest journey, to fellow Cup debutants West London Sharks.
But it was all in vain, as the Sharks won the battle of the beasts 42-10.
Loughborough Students also ensured there is still interest in the first round draw outside the game's North Western heartland with a 21-6 win at Heworth.
But Cardiff Demons' campaign is over after losing 28-12 at home to Barrow's Walney Central.
It is over 40 years since the Challenge Cup winners came from Wakefield and over 20 since they came from Hull.
But local derbies in both places ensured there would be local interest in the first round draw.
Stanley Rangers edged Eastmoor Dragons 15-14 in the all-Wakefield clash, whilst Embassy saw off Hull Wyke 36-30.
The draw for the first round takes place at Ince Rose Bridge on Thursday, with matches to be played on the first weekend in February.
Challenge Cup preliminary round results:
Stanley Rangers 15-14 Eastmoor Dragons
Cutsyke 16-14 Shaw Cross Sharks
Ince Rose Bridge 16-18 Hensingham
Cardiff Demons 12-28 Walney Central
West London 42-10 Fife Lions
Hull Wyke 30-36 Embassy
Cottingham Tigers 2-8 Barrow Island
Hunslet Warriors 6-38 Halton Simms Cross
Normanton Knights 17-16 Seaton Rangers
Castleford Lock Lane 30-0 Ideal Isberg
Heworth 6-21 Loughborough University
Castleford Panthers 28-24 Ovenden
York Acorn 12-60 East Hull
Widnes St Maries 52-0 Saddleworth Rangers
Huddersfield Sharks 14-19 Stanningley
Rochdale Mayfield 21-16 Featherstone Lions
East Leeds 22-29 Waterhead
Crosfields 10-22 Illingworth
Draw for first round proper takes place on Thursday 20 January, games to be played 5 & 6 February.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
