The London Skolars missed out on a mouthwatering fourth-round clash at Challenge Cup holders Wigan Warriors' JJB Stadium, after losing to amateur side Simms Cross on Sunday.

A frantic opening 20 minutes saw Skolars' skipper Chris Thair leaving the field with a suspected broken foot. Whilst regrouping, the Londoners were forced to absorb a lot of pressure but held out with Simms Cross having to be content with two points from a Brian Capewell penalty.

After defending stoutly, the Skolars began to use possession more effectively when Kirk Wetherspoon found Gavin Gordon out wide and the winger showed his pace, setting up Jake Johnstone for the opening try which he converted himself.

The Widnes-based side responded with another penalty, matched by Johnstone's penalty for the Skolars.

With four minutes of the half remaining, Simms Cross exploited a gap on the flank to go in at half-time 8-7 down.

The second half saw Skolars making regular attacks with big drives from front row Alan Tito and stand-off Peter Rawson.

However, the home side took the lead on 56 minutes and a further penalty meant the Skolars had to score twice.

Although disappointed by the result, Thair was determined to bounce back. He said: "Coming off injured in the first minute was a massive personal blow and it took us a while to regroup. We under-performed and will look to put that right next week."

The Skolars' next game is away to Hunslet in Leeds next Sunday. A week later, they entertain Hull KR at the New River Stadium on February 16.

January 29, 2003 20:00