ESSEX Eels took their Challenge Cup bow, but suffered a 44-12 defeat to Pennine League high-fliers Elland.
Eels played at Gloucester Park Arena for the first time and put in a brave performance against strong and experienced opposition.
But a slow start cost them two early tries and there was no way back.
Head coach Stuart Hogg was far from disappointed, though.
"There's a lot of positives come out of this," he said. "It's the first time we've played together and we've shown we can surprise a few people this season."
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