It says much for our knowledge of North West Geography that when Farnworth came out of the bag most people thought 'Hmm, Bolton - almost a local derby'. Closer examination of the map - and the BARLA handbook - reveals that this Farnworth hail from Widnes. In fact, contrary to popular belief, Paul Simon actually wrote 'Homeward Bound' on the platform of Farnworth Station, on his way back from a gig above the Grosvenor pub!

In 1978 the Ring 'o' Bells - another of the town's renowned folk venues - founded a Rugby League side. Now called 'Farnworth', they're currently second in the North West Counties Premier Division. And, while they're going great guns in the league, cup competitions seem to be a bit of a forte this season too.

Already Lancashire Cup finalists, they sank the Navy 24-12 and beat Eastmoor 17-8 in the previous rounds of the Challenge cup prior to dumping Waterhead out of the GMB National cup a fortnight ago winning 19-10. So they'll really be up for a crack at a pro-side on their cup odyssey.

The Farnworth team seems to be a good mix of youth and experience - with full back Andy Saywell and scrum half Paul Wood bringing both, having signed for the club from Widnes Vikings.

Out on the wing, there promises to be an interesting clash between a pair of points machines - Marlon Billy facing Neil Hicks, Farnworth's leading scorer with a phenomenal 20 tries in the last 16 games. Up front ball-handling prop Chris Smith faces a late fitness test, but could be expected to start.

Big match experience comes from them 33 year old Chris Kelly at loose forward. I last saw the ex-BARLA international playing for Great Britain Legends against Australia at Widnes, so respect is due to anyone who's crossed swords with Mal and King Wally and come away with a draw.

As for Hornets, having made five changes for last week's walloping of York, Martin Hall may look juggle his squad again this week to give his key fringe players some much needed match practice - and hinted at as much in Wednesday's Ob. "We changed it a little bit last week as we rested a few players. And it's possible we'll do the same against Farnworth in the Challenge Cup on Sunday. We'll just change it round a little bit. We've got a big squad with a lot of quality."

However Hally plays it, you've got to fancy Hornets to come through this one unscathed, but Farnworth will aim to give a good account of themselves and - as one or two teams have found out in past years - underestimating your opponents in Cup football can be costly and embarrassing.

So with 'the Bells' fired up for the big one, Hornets fringe players playing for a regular spot and the team looking to maintain its momentum, this has all the makings of a really good cup tie.

There's always something a bit special about the Challenge Cup and, regardless of the result, it'll be a great afternoon for everyone involved. Be a part of it - you'd be barmy to miss it.

Thanks to Farnworth club secretary Brian Tobin for his help on this week's Sunday's Coming.