Players from Acorn Rugby Club have competed in some huge games during their time, but none quite as big as this one.
On Saturday, 8 February the York side will be taking on Hull FC for the third round of their Challenge Cup.
Acorn Rugby Club have had incredible successes in the Challenge Cup as an amateur team, reaching at least the third round in their last five seasons.
Despite their impressive streak, players are gearing up for the game ahead.
It’s Hull FC’s first competitive fixture against a community club since 1998.
Matthew Richardson, York Acorn Rugby Chairman, told YorkMix: “Next Saturday’s game is a reward for years of hard work by countless players, coaches and volunteers that have worked day and night bringing the club back from serious financial struggles in 2023, to absolutely thriving by 2025.”
Acorn Rugby Club had hoped for the match to be held at their home ground, just outside of Foxwood, but it wasn’t doable.
Given the short notice period, the list of criteria provided by the RFL were unachievable for the club.
Instead, Saturday’s game will be held at Featherstone Rovers’ Millennium Stadium, with a 2pm kick off.
Free travel
Matthew said: “After hours of meetings and phone calls weighing up the pros and cons, we decided to accept Featherstone’s offer to use their facilities to host the game.
“I would like to go on record to thank Paddy and his team for being so accommodating to us, going above and beyond.”
Although the team are disappointed, they’re doing everything in their power to recreate that “home ground feel”.
They’re keen to get as many people there as possible, running York Pullman spectator coaches for free.
Match info
Date: Saturday 8th February
Time: 2pm kick off
Ticket price: Adults £15 – Concessions £10 – Children Free
Coaches: Free coach travel when you sign up here
For further information, and to buy your tickets, click here.
It’s important to them that they’ve got a great attendance from the York community on the day.
“This game is not just a payday for us, it is an opportunity for our players to show how good they really are and walk out against full time professionals, representing the Acorn with the whole community behind them,” Matthew told YorkMix.
He feels the term underdogs is even a slight overstatement, but in true David vs. Goliath form, they’re committed to giving the game their all.
“At the end of the day, although Hull are elite Super League and international players, you never know!” He added.