RFL Lancashire Cup


The RFL Lancashire Cup, usually referred to as the Lancashire Cup, was a British rugby league football knock-out competition founded in 1905. Organised by the Rugby Football League, the competition was open to all professional clubs in the Lancashire region, but also included a number of clubs based in Cumbria.
The tournament was held annually and was usually played over four rounds, with the fixtures normally being played during the early part of the season. The tournament was scrapped along with the Yorkshire Cup after the 1992–93 season.
The most successful club was Wigan, who won the trophy on 21 occasions.

History

The competition was introduced in 1905. In 1976, Burtonwood Brewery agreed to sponsor the tournament in a deal worth £4,000 per year. They were replaced as sponsor by Grunhalle Lager in 1986.
During the latter years of the competition, clubs complained increasingly about fixture congestion, resulting in the cup being scrapped in 1993.

Finals

The Lancashire Cup was not played during the Second World War. During this period the Yorkshire Cup finals of 1942, 1943, and 1944 were played over two legs, with aggregate score being used.

Wins by club

ClubWinsWinning years
1 Wigan211905, 1908, 1909, 1912, 1922, 1928, 1938, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1992
2 St. Helens111926, 1953, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1984, 1991
3 Warrington91921, 1929, 1932, 1937, 1959, 1965, 1980, 1982, 1989
4 Oldham91907, 1910, 1913, 1919, 1924, 1933, 1956, 1957, 1958
5 Widnes71945, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1990
6 Salford51931, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1972
7 Leigh41952, 1955, 1970, 1981
8 Swinton41925, 1927, 1940, 1969
9 Rochdale Hornets31911, 1914, 1918
10 Barrow21954, 1983
11St Helens Recs21923, 1930
12Broughton Rangers21906, 1920
13 Workington11977

Records

Final

Individual records in the final

Competition records

  • Highest score: 112–0, St. Helens v Carlisle 1986