WEST Bowling will be back in Challenge Cup action next February, ending a three-year absence from the competition in the process.

Regulars in the prestigious rugby league tournament, their last game in it came in February 2020, a heroic 28-22 third round defeat at League 1 side Workington Town (pictured above by Ben Challis).

Due to complications thrown up by the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 edition was contested between professional clubs only, with no amateur teams participating.

But Bowling were not part of last year’s Challenge Cup either, with then head coach Ryan Hunkin saying at the time: “I’m not sure why that is, although there were only a certain amount of community clubs who could enter.

“It’s unfortunate, as we’ve used that as our pre-season in the past, so we’ve just had to get other fixtures planned.”

But they are back for 2023, and will be playing in the first round, which is set to take place on the weekend of February 11-12.

They will be one of 34 community sides competing in that opening round, but they will not find out their opponents until the draw is held on Thursday, January 12 at Wembley Stadium.

Bradford Bulls’ Women will also also find out their Challenge Cup group that day, with the women’s competition not due to get started until April 23.

The top two in each group qualify for the quarter finals on June 18.