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by ROGER HALSTEAD
 
ROUGHYEDS are philosophical about a fourth-round Carnegie Challenge Cup tie that means they will be playing neighbours Swinton Lions at least five times this season -- twice in the Northern Rail Cup, twice in Co-operative NL2 and now in the Challenge Cup.
 
The Lions got home advantage in the draw, with Sunday, April 20 set aside for fourth-round ties, although they can be played on the Saturday or on another date if mutually agreed. Confirmation that the tie will be played on Sunday, April 20 is expected soon.
 
Said Roughyeds coach Steve Deakin: "It could be better, it could be worse. You get what you get, and that's the way it is with draws. I daresay Paul Kidd at Swinton will be pleased with it. To be honest, we've a lot of other games to focus on first, starting with Swinton away this Sunday."
 
Chief executive Chris Hamilton took a similar view. He said: "It's a tie both teams will feel they have a chance of winning, Swinton with home advantage but on a pitch that's our second home as well. It's ironic that we should draw the Lions when we also meet them twice in the Northern Rail and twice in the league.
 
"But from our point of view it's a tie that's winnable and that's what you want if you don't get a big pay day.
 
"We never count chickens, but as management we have to look ahead and be aware of all eventualities and if we were to win we would figure in the fifth round on the weekend when we were due to play London Skolars away in the league. In that event, it would mean us going to London in midweek, but that's one for the future and, as I say, it is only an 'if' at this stage.
 
"First and foremost we must focus on Swinton this Sunday and then on the Easter double-header on Good Friday and Easter Monday, versus Rochdale and Hunslet respectively, with which we kick off our NL2 campaign."