WEST Bowling booked their place in the second round of the Challenge Cup by surprising National Conference Premier Division hosts Featherstone Lions 24-12.

The promoted Division One side have a good relationship with the competition after reaching the third round last year, losing out to Betfred League One side Hunslet.

Bowling were faultless in the opening half, building up an unassailable 18-point lead through tries from Daniel Gregory, Harry Williams and Kyle Moore.

The Lions started off by kicking the ball out on the full, awarding Bowling a penalty, from which they generated several good strong drives before knocking on late in the tackle count.

This was to be the norm in the opening exchanges with both teams trying to get to grips with the wind.

The visitors gained their advantage on the 11th minute mark when Gregory intercepted a loose pass to race 70 metres and go over the whitewash.

Williams added his try eight minutes later with an outstretched touchdown from a tackle on the Lions line.

Despite the tough conditions, Wests continued to make inroads into the Lions defence as they were not afraid to play the ball out wide.

Bowling benefitted from that tactic when winger Moore latched onto a pass from Richard Lumb to go over in the corner from 15 metres.

Williams produced some great kicking, and the away side were cruising after 30 minutes.

There must have been some mean words spoken at the break in the Featherstone changing room with the favourites coming out in the second half a reinvigorated side.

Ten minutes in, the hosts reduced the deficit to 12 points, converting their possession with a good try.

However, all this was short-lived when Liam Darville increased his team's lead by dummying his way over near the posts, Williams again reliable with the boot.

A late Lions kick and chase, which translated into a try, was only a consolation with two minutes to go, meaning the Bradford side ended with a 12-point difference victory.

Bowling will learn who their second round opponents will be in this evening's draw.

Second round ties will be played on the weekend of January 25-26.