Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson says the squad are excited by the prospect of hosting Wigan Warriors Women in the Betfred Challenge Cup group stages this weekend.

The Raiders Ladies lost their group stage opener in South Wales last weekend as Cardiff Demons edged a hard-fought affair 22-16.

Now their attention turns to Sunday afternoon’s game against Wigan – Wilkinson’s former club, and the team they will visit in Round 1 of the new Betfred Women’s Super League season next month.

Looking ahead to their cup encounter, Wilkinson said: “We are looking forward to this one. It’s going to be a big test for the girls, and not an easy one either.

“We played some really good rugby with ball in-hand against Cardiff and spent plenty of time on their goal-line, but we made the wrong decisions and came up with some poor execution which meant the game was lost in the first half.

“As for Wigan, they have some quality players with international experience, and some impressive young talent who are athletic and show good skill and speed.

“We will need to be at our best from kick-off to be in with a chance. Under the guidance of a smart new coach in Denis Betts, the girls are looking in good shape and very organised, but we have prepared well and will give it our best.”

Sunday will also give Wilkinson the opportunity to come up against the club she spent many successful years with.

She led the Warriors to Women’s Super League glory in 2018 but insists it will be business as usual ahead of this weekend.

“All challenge Cup games are exciting, and it’s great to be involved with this competition,” she added.

“I have so many great memories from my time at Wigan, but now I’m here at Barrow, heading into Group 1 of the Women’s Super League and making more history.

“As a coach, I’m always focused on the task and the team, and preparing them to be the best they can be, regardless of the opposition.”

Tickets for Sunday’s Challenge Cup group stage fixture are priced at £5.

For the first time ever, supporters can also get their hands on a Barrow Ladies season ticket, which costs £35 and covers all home league and cup games throughout the year.

Join the Raid in 2024 – Barrow Ladies season tickets are on sale now!