PILKINGTON Recs have enjoyed some landmark days in their illustrious history, but Saturday’s home Challenge Cup tie against National Conference Premier Division champions Siddal will see a first with the match being streamed live on BBC.

The match, which kicks off at Ruskin Drive at 2.15pm, will get special treatment with the historic trophy present at the ground from 1pm and last season’s Wembley referee Gareth Hewer taking charge.

And those who cannot get to the ground can tune into the BBC Sport website where the broadcasters expect another bumper audience after the success of the first round game between Leigh Miners Rangers and Wigan St Patricks.

Although Recs coach John Rees admits that the tie comes at an awkward early time for the amateurs, whose season kicks off in March, it will nevertheless throw up an intriguing tussle and gives the club a huge profile and incentive.

Last year Recs beat semi-pro side London Skolars before going down to Halifax in the next round at Langtree Park.

Rees said: “The Challenge Cup is a big carrot that is being dangled for the players.

“Me and Liam Bostock, who are coaching now, played last year along with 95 per cent of the squad.

“I don’t think anyone who was there can forget the London Skolars win – the players and the spectators.

“We are keen to make progress and show off our new ground again.

“We had 10 or 12 years of unrest with the ground, but now we have got the pitch sorted it will be a good showcase for us if we progress and get a nice home tie.”

Although brief highlights of the club’s Challenge Cup game against Aberdeen were shown on the Super League show four years ago, this is a first live broadcast for the Red, Amber and Blacks.

“It is great what the RFL and the BBC are doing here and it is about time the amateurs got recognised.

“It is probably more entertaining than Super League at the moment – I am not saying we are better players but it is more interesting than what the pro game has turned into,” he said.

Recs are one of three St Helens teams who have made it through to the second round with giant-killers Haydock at home to Thornhill Trojans and Thatto Heath travelling to West Hull (both 2pm kick offs).

Rees added: “There is only Hull as a town who has more teams than us in the cup. That is great representation and Blackbrook were probably unlucky not to get a nomination too.

“Haydock’s results have been great for rugby, and off the back of that, maybe some of those players who are sat on the couch and thinking of coming back to the game may be prompted to turn up to training again at clubs in the town.”