CHORLEY LYNX...10

REDHILL...2

WHEN you are regarded as giant-killing fodder trepidation is understandable.

Chorley Lynx went into this Challenge Cup third round clash with Castleford amateurs Redhill knowing that those looking for a shock would be casting an eye in their direction.

However, this is a Lynx side growing and learning and, while the manner of victory was not sparkling, certain jobs were done correctly and defeat really was not on the cards.

Last season's exit at the same stage at the hands of Warrington amateurs Woolston Rovers hurt but Lynx coach Graeme West, who has seen it all at the other end of the scale winning at Wembley with Wigan, was just happy that the step into the fourth round hand been taken.

"We know that we have still got a lot of work to do but we have come through the round and that is one step further than last year," said West.

"I thought they played well and had a controlled game for an amateur side, but we played some controlled football too despite turning the ball over too often.

"On attack we were not as sparkling as I wanted us to be and that was disappointing, but defence wins matches and defensively we did pretty well.

"We have just got to look forward now and as far as the draw does a home tie is what we would like."

That draw takes place tonight at the birthplace of Rugby League, Huddersfield's George Hotel, and the Lynx would dearly love a chance to do some giant-killing of their own.

However, everyone in the camp will know that a draw against more glamorous opponents will require a step up in their game if success is to come their way.

Defensively Chorley were tight with experienced prop Tim Street leading the pack well, but chances to exploit gaps on attack went begging and sharpness around the half backs and the ruck will be something the Lynx will be looking to work on.

And Redhill ensured life would never be easy.

The visitors took the field lacking most of their support as the fans' bus from Castleford had broken down en route -- strangely that worked to their advantage.

The scores were tied at 2-2, Liam Jones having given the Lynx the lead with a penalty only for that to be matched by a Steve Embling effort, when the Redhill fans arrived 10 minutes into the game.

The volume went up and so did Redhill's effort and for 20 minutes there was nothing to choose in a match that was passionate and physical as the defences tied each other down.

In the circumstances the fact feuding never quite boiled over was amazing and Street's battle with Redhill's experienced prop Mick Huby was literally a belter, and there were enough other individual contests trying to prise the limelight away.

But two tries were to be the telling difference and Chorley claimed their first crucially seven minutes before half-time.

For once their build up showed a necessary degree of patience and the opening was finally carved as stand off Chris Ramsdale provided the perfect final pass for second rower Phil Harrison to score.

Jones, who got embroiled in his own personal battle, failed with the kick -- and the other three chances to come his way -- but the gap had been opened.

However, while only four points separated the sides the Lynx had to focus on tackling smartly and they did.

They bagged their second try on 65 minutes when Jones started a move that saw Australian full-back Michael Watts play his part and was completed by loose forward Wayne Bloor busting over.

It was only then they Redhill created a real try scoring chance but winger Paul Baxter was bundled into touch as he went for the corner having held Embling's canny diagonal kick.

So the Lynx are in the hat and that is progress.

CHORLEY LYNX: Watts; Wilcock, Jones, Kilgannon, Redicliffe; Ramsdale, Patel; Street, Roden, Grundy, Killock, Harrison, Bloor. Subs: Talbot, Smith, Prescott, Parry.

REDHILL: Embling; Baxter, Lumb, Appleby, Brookes; Bryer, Horner; Huby, Hanforth, Tomlinosn, Elleker, Tovey, Kesick. Subs: Kay, Tucker, Willis, Taylor.