WEST Bowling will play at Oulton Raiders in the Challenge Cup first round next month.

The game will take place on the weekend of January 13/14, and will present a stiff test for the Bradford rugby league side.

Bowling and Oulton were both in Division One of the National Conference League last season, and while the former went up to the top flight as champions, the latter suffered a heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Heworth.

John Williams’ side face another away tie if they make it into the round two, but this would involve a lot more travel than going to Oulton.

They would be at either Hammersmith Hill Hoists (London) or Medway Dragons (Kent) in the second round, with that game due to take place on the weekend of January 27/28.

If Bowling win both of those Challenge Cup ties, they will be in the third round, which is where heavyweight neighbours Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars join the competition.

The third-round games take place on the weekend of February 10/11.