The Northallerton club had the honour of opening the prestigious competition as the draw ironically paired them with fellow Co-operative Rugby League Conference outfit York Lokos who – less than 72 hours earlier – had inflicted the Stallions heaviest defeat of the league campaign.

Lokos eventually ran out 28–4 winners with a Rob Johnson try proving the Stallions’ only score in a fast and entertaining contest.

Next up were York Tigers who took the spoils 32–4, Jonathan Flanagan’s try the only reward for another committed effort.

This left the Stallions facing Dewsbury-based Heavy Woollen Donkeys in their final group match, unable to progress further as a result of the earlier defeats. However, this game was to prove a milestone for the Northallerton boys who finally converted five months of hard work on the training paddock into success on the field.

Some strong defence restricted their opponents to just one try whilst neat attacking play brought tries for Lee Worsnop, Adam Lonsdale, Rob Johnson and Andy Tuley. Worsnop added three conversions to give the Stallions their first ever victory by 22 points to four.