THE rugby league road to Cardiff kicks off on Saturday with York's top two amateur teams pursuing the prestige of a professional pay-day.

The 2005 Powergen Challenge Cup gets under way and, while York Acorn and Heworth face differing tasks in the preliminary round, the ties are equally absorbing as the duo bid for glory and the chance to meet a professional team along the way.

Acorn, though, have a mighty job. While only the cream of the country's clubs are entered into rugby's most famous knockout cup, the Blue and Golds could not have picked a harder opener. With National Conference premier division teams joining the competition in the first round proper, division one title-chasers East Hull are arguably the best team in the preliminary draw. (Kick off 2pm.)

But Acorn boss Dave Kay, whose side are flying high in division two and last week completed the double over arch-rivals Heworth, remained determined. "It's got the makings of an epic cup tie," he said.

"We will be going all out to win. We want to get as far as we can in the competition.

"It's going to be really tough. East Hull came into the National Conference League and got promoted from our division and I expect them to go up again this year to the premier.

"We had a fairly close game at our place last year but when we played away with a weakened team they put about 70 points past us. It will be a good marker for us as we've come on a lot."

National League teams such as York City Knights enter the Cup in round three with Super League sides joining in round four.

"The main aim for me and the lads is to get through to the third round and hopefully get a nice draw. I've been involved a couple of times as a player in those matches and they're really good days. It would be great for the club to the get to that stage."

Heworth entertain Loughborough University (kick off 2.30pm), the representatives of Student Rugby League, knowing little about their opposition or even whether they should be burdened with the favourites' tag.

Villagers spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We don't know what to expect.

"In normal circumstances you would expect to beat a student side but it's hard to tell because we don't know anything about them.

"The standard of student rugby has improved dramatically over the years and there are quite a few students now playing pro level so they could be strong."

Heworth will have three key players missing. Wayne Foster is banned for three matches and Phil Musgrave for two following their sendings-off in the game against Widnes St Marie's before Christmas - suspensions Heworth aren't happy with but are not appealing against - while Carl Potter is also unavailable.

The club hope that experienced duo Paddy Handley and Brendan Carlyle will be fit, while the 'A' team have no game so coach Alfie Hill could also delve into the reserves.

The draw for the Powergen Challenge Cup first round will be held at Ince Rosebridge ARLFC, Wigan, next Thursday, broadcast live on BBC GMR at about 6.45 pm.

... while All Blacks are to Askam KO questions too

KNOCKOUT glory is also the goal of New Earswick All Blacks as they seek a second consecutive shock in the GMB Union Cup.

The in-form All Blacks, of Pennine League division two, will need to bridge effectively a four-tier gap when they entertain National Conference division one side Askam (kick off 2pm).

Having knocked out NCL division two side Stanningley in the last round, they are eyeing another, even bigger, surprise this time out. But boss Simon Baynes knows it will be tough.

"I think Askam will be better prepared," he said. "Stanningley underestimated us a bit but Askam, if they look at scores, will realise we're no mugs.

"We will just concentrate on completing our sets and having patience, giving the ball away on our terms and getting the defence right, which has helped us in the last few weeks."

Baynes will not have a full squad to pick from. James Sanderson, fit again after his ankle break in the autumn, could return along with Jim Mulroney and Dave Calam, but captain Jez Petch and Robbie Beavers join Mark Boitout, Shaun Bewlay and Nigel Wilson in being unavailable while Dave Carling (neck) and Paul Dooley (shoulder) face tests.

Baynes might be hoping rustiness - Askam's game last week was postponed so they haven't played since before Christmas - and the long journey from West Cumbria will hamper the visitors.

But he warned: "They will be well-prepared and I'm expecting a really tough game."

Updated: 11:31 Thursday, January 13, 2005