Rugby League: Dons' scant reward: Challenge Cup draw

DONCASTER, the only Second Division side left in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup, have been rewarded for their victory over Oldham in the fifth round with a trip to St Helens in the quarter-finals.

The draw, earned by a 20-0 victory on Sunday, has not been kind to the Dons. Although Saints' form has been inconsistent this season, they are reassembling their strongest side and have the incentive of only having the cup to play for.

The holders Wigan, the narrowest of victors at Hull on Sunday, will not be displeased with a home tie against Featherstone Rovers, who are generally a less formidable proposition on their travels than at home at Post Office Road.

The outstanding tie of the round, which will be played on 26 and 27 February, pits Bradford against Leeds at Headingley.

'The main thing is that we are at home,' said Alan Tait, Leeds' man of the match in their fifth-round win over Warrington. 'Bradford are a form side, but we are running into form, too, so it should be a cracker.'

Last year's finalists, Widnes, are in the same position as St Helens in welcoming back key players as a trying season turns into a promising cup run. Widnes would still have preferred to avoid Castleford at Wheldon Road in the quarter- finals, but they, too, are channelling all efforts into the road to Wembley.

Oldham held their regular board meeting last night, with proposals being aired to apply for planning permission for housing and to sell their Watersheddings ground.

SILK CUT CHALLENGE CUP Quarter-final draw: Leeds v Bradford Northern; St Helens v Doncaster; Castleford v Widnes; Wigan v Featherstone Rovers. (Ties to be played on weekend of 26-27 February.)