GIGG Lane plays host to more top class Rugby League action on Sunday (Feb 15) as Swinton Lions bid to end their hoodoo in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup.

It is 15 years since the Lions last won through to the last 16 of the showpiece competition and they could not ask for a better chance to break that duck than this weekend against York.

It is the first time the two sides have met in the cup since the 1941/42 season. Then, two legs were played, both won by Swinton.

The Lions are hoping to attract another large crowd to Gigg Lane following the impressive 2,000-plus gate on Sunday for the opening match of the First Division season. Those supporters were well entertained as Swinton hammered title favourites Keighley Cougars 41-16 to make a mockery of their own 25/1 odds for the championship.

New signing Paul Barrow says that performance has further motivated the players for Sunday's match.

"We cannot ease up after that result. We have to raise our game even further. If we do, we will make it to the next round," he said.

The former Warrington star has made it a real family affair down at Gigg Lane. His cousin, Tony Barrow Jnr, plays in the front row, while uncle, Tony Barrow Snr, is chief executive. w Paul, 23, was plagued by injuries last year, undergoing two knee operations and suffering a shattered hand, but he says he's in top shape now.

"I am 100 per cent and feeling better than ever. I am enjoying my rugby more than ever before," he added.

Also new on the Lions' books is ex-Salford and Great Britain BARLA international scrum half Ian Watson.

He used to ball boy for Swinton as a youngster and is thrilled to be part of the set-up at Gigg Lane.

"This is a great place to be. We have a smashing stadium to play in, a good squad of players and the crowds are starting to respond," said the 21-year-old.

"I urge the people of Bury to come down and watch us in action. We look set for a good year."

He added: "I think we proved the bookies wrong on Sunday. All the lads have had a bet on themselves and are expecting a big pay-out at the end of the season."

Goalkicker Steve Gartland is the final piece in Lions' boss Les Holliday's jigsaw.

He joined the club from Rochdale and echoed his teammates' claims of a booming morale in the ranks.

"This is a young, ambitious side. The self belief is amazing and everyone is focused on having a good cup run and winning the league, hopefully earning a place in Super League," he said.

Kick-off on Sunday is 3pm.

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