PILKINGTON Recs coach Kurt Haggerty says his players will relish the chance of facing North Wales Crusaders in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup third round.

The amateurs were handed the trip to the Wrexham-based semi-professionals, of the Kingstone Press Championship, in Monday night’s draw.

It will pit the red, amber and blacks against a team coached by ex-Saints player Clive Griffiths, a former junior coach at Recs and Cowley schoolteacher.

Speaking on the Pilkington Recs website, Haggerty, whose side has scored 84 points and conceded just four in the opening two rounds of the competition, said: “It's a great opportunity for our players to test themselves against semi-professional opposition.

“We are under no illusions how tough the task ahead is, but we will be quietly confident going into this game with no pressure on us whatsoever.”

Ruskin Drive-based Recs – who begin their campaign in National Conference Division Two against Waterhead, from Oldham, this Saturday - have fond memories of taking on professional sides in the famous competition down the years, most recently against Batley in 2009 when they came close to pulling off a shock at Knowsley Road before going down 24-34.

Haggerty, a Leigh player who is son of ex-Saints forward Roy, added: “It will be a great day for the club and everybody involved.”

The tie will be played on the weekend of Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16.

The official date will be announced once the clubs have confirmed arrangements.

Meanwhile, Thatto Heath lost 28-18 in their second round tie against West Hull.