CHORLEY Lynx are building up to one of the biggest games in their history - and basking in the limelight they are receiving.

For the Northern Ford Premiership outfit it has been an on-going battle to generate interest in the 13-a-side code but crowds have been growing, almost 500 watching Sunday's clash with Hull KR at Victory Park, and Sunday's Challenge Cup fourth round clash against French league leaders Union Treiziste Catalane promises to bring in an even bigger gate.

With a handful of French internationals on show and four players from the southern hemisphere in their line-up UTC are a big draw and Lynx managing director Dennis Ramsdale is hoping that proves to be the case.

"Our average league attendances have been up by about 100 or so already this season when you compare them to the corresponding fixtures last term, so we are already taking positive steps forward," said Ramsdale.

"But cup games like this do tend to focus the attention and the media interest that we have had since the fourth round draw has been very beneficial.

"They are a very wealthy club with some very good players and it should be a great experience for our side, and hopefully we will attract a few new people down to watch the game."

Though the season is still only a couple of months old Chorley have already made strides on the field.

Two league wins has brought them a mid-table position after seasons where gaining one win in a season sometimes proved a real strain, and after last season's ignominious exit from the Challenge Cup at the third round stage against amateurs Woolston getting over this season's first hurdle - with a 10-2 home win over Castleford amateurs Redhill - has already brought reward.

Lynx have also forged a relationship with Super League outfit Warrington and the introduction of Wolves players on loan, the likes of former Leeds Rhinos pair Nick Fozzard and Leroy Rivett, has helped.

But Ramsdale was hoping that their own products would also be grabbing some of the limelight.

"It does help but what we are really working hard on is trying to develop our own talent," explained Ramsdale.

"We want to focus on players like goal-kicker Liam Jones and half back Chris Ramsdale because they are the future of this club."