Is it the biggest shock of all time?

Photo: Dave Murgatroyd

Oldham RLFC players celebrate their outstanding victory over Hull KR in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup

FANS on social media are putting the case that Oldham's win at Hull KR was the biggest Challenge Cup upset of all time.

A massive claim, but consider these: Oldham were 25-1 outsiders; they were given 42 points start by the bookies; they were away at one of the most intimidating venues in Super League; less than eight months ago Hull KR were in last year's final at Wembley in front of 80,000 fans — and two weeks later Roughyeds played Oxford away in League One, watched by 246 diehards.

Eight who played at Wembley — Sio, Dixon, Blair, Tilse, Lunt, Walker, Donaldson and Boudebza — were in the Robins' 17-man squad on Saturday.

injuries

Moreover, the injury-hit part-timers, with a forward (Sammy Gee) and a half-back (Danny Grimshaw) in the centre spots, beat full-time opponents for the second game in a row.

Other Oldham cup wins against the odds in the last 30 years were the Paddy Kirwan tie of 1987 against Wigan at Watersheddings (10-8) and — three years later — the super 16-4 win at Widnes in the 1990 quarter-final when second division Rougheds were up against the then World Club Champions.

Described by coach Scott Naylor as "a huge win for the club", Saturday's latest upset will be featured tonight on BBC's North-West Tonight TV programme at 6.30pm.

The sixth-round draw (last 16) will be made on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' slot on Thursday at 8.30am.

Going into the hat will be Championship sides OLDHAM, Dewsbury Rams, Batley Bulldogs and Halifax, League One side Toulouse Olympique and Super League clubs Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Hull FC, Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings, St Helens, Castleford Tigers, Salford Red Devils, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants.