Hull KR tie to secure Lock Lane's future and leave lasting legacy, says chairman
Chairman Mick Wildey says Lock Lane's Challenge Cup clash with holders Hull KR is the biggest night in the club's history – one that will secure their short-term future and leave a lasting legacy.
The part-timers will fulfil their work commitments on Friday before heading to Craven Park, a venue switch that maximises the benefits for the Castleford-based amateur side.
While
Lock Lane have a history of high-profile ties, nothing compares to a date with the
Super League champions and treble winners.
"It is quite expensive to run, especially an open-age side with all the travel. It takes a lot to raise the funds to cover all our expenses.
"We are really lucky with the sponsors we do have so we can compete at the level we do. The good thing about this game is being able to bring those sponsors with us and reward them.
"It just gives us a buffer. We have got a good set-up but are pretty desperate for some new floodlights. Some of this might go towards upgrading them.
"We need to get something for the club that's going to see us all out. When they look back, they can say the
Hull KR game paid for it."
Lock Lane were originally drawn at home but logistical challenges left the National Conference League club searching for an alternative venue.
The players turned down the chance to play at Castleford Tigers for an opportunity to sample Craven Park under the lights.
"We had a choice of venues," explained Wildey.
"Castleford Tigers really wanted us to host the game down there. Craig Jeffels, the commercial director, is a former Lock Lane player and said they'd match the finances we'd get from playing at Hull KR.
"I put it to the players and to a man, they said they wanted to go to Hull KR. I think they're all Erasure fans so you might see them dancing along to ‘A Little Respect’!"
Lock Lane find themselves in exalted company this month, facing the Robins just before Willie Peters' side tackle Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge.
Wildey views the "unbelievable" opportunity as a reward for the community outfit, who have a rich history of producing players.
"It still hasn't sunk in," he said. "We've all been smiling ever since we secured the tie.
SWpix.com)
"It's the biggest game in our history. Some of the older lads played against Wigan and Huddersfield. We played against Castleford more recently.
"But this has to be the biggest – they're the best team in Super League right now. Two weeks after they play us, they play Brisbane Broncos. It's just crazy. It's immense for us.
"One thing I would say, though, is that community clubs like Lock Lane give a lot to rugby league. In Brad Singleton's recent testimonial, there were 12 former Lock Lane juniors between the Cas and Leeds teams.
"Every community club deserves a game like this."
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