What was interesting at that game at LSV was the lack of support for Pats on the night compared to the last time the two sides met in about 98, and is probably indicative of how the CC has been run down. The chance for an amateur team to have a pop at a pro team used to have all the club travelling plus mates and family for a good day out, or a riot for one or two clubs who will remain nameless.

Such a shame.

I think the fact that Wigan were at home the same night was part of the problem. If we weren't playing then I probably would have gone to support Pats.

I would have gone as well had it not clashed with a Wigan game

a gesture? He has no affiliation to any RL club but want him to pay for one? If anything Leigh should have done it considering they are a full time club.

To be fair to Wigan, when my Club (Ince Rose Bridge) where drawn at home in the challenge cup Kris Radlinski was very helpful to us and offered the use of Orrell and was very accommodating and professional in all my dealings with him. Due to circumstances we could not take up their offer.

Irrespective of anyone helping out Wigan St Pats with this issue and the fact that they only made £63 from singeing last seasons challenge cup game

I personally would have entered the club into the competition if it was my decision as it is a chance for the club to showcase its self and to let their players test themselves against professional opposition

I am very disappointed that Wigan Warriors could not have helped out more with this issue, but i suppose that is out of our hands as we don't own our own stadium
I recall that Milford were allowed to use Headingley stadium on the cheap when they played Barrow Raiders in the Challenge Cup last season

Leigh rent LSV, there was £126 left after costs of LSV - think Salford still owe LSV £100k or so, so maybe the Dr should have

Be assured the decision was not made lightly and discussed at length with the best interest of all concerned, particularly the players.

A lot of effort is put into hosting a game like that and one of the main reasons for an amateur club is to make a bit of money. The challenge is great but with the cards stacked it's not much benefit to anyone.

Still a fully pro club made the amateur club stump up money, pretty poor

It also said in the article in the WEP that explained their absence that St Pats suffered 3 long term injuries to players from the Leigh match (as well as making little money and losing by about 70). The loss of those players greatly affected their NCL season and they didn't want to risk the same again and would rather focus on staying in the NCL Premier than hoping to get a game in the cup against a big semi pro club that they have little hope of winning. As someone else said the decision wasn't purely monetary.

It wasn't an option, the Orrell pitch was out of commission due to ongoing maintenance at the time I believe

Don't get it do you, an amateur club drew a part time club at home and rented a ground from the council to stage it on, even a baker from Bent should understand that

Were Leigh not full time last year?

No mate only gone full time this year with the extra money from winning the league and Grand Final.

Still would seem rather petty that Leigh took their £63 from the gate receipts instead of letting the amateurs have it! I bet Beaumonts bar bill was more than that!