BULLDOZING forward Andy Precious reckons the tide could at last be turning in York Wasps' favour.

The Wasps won their first match in 11 turbulent months last week and Precious believes it could signal an ongoing upturn in fortunes.

And although he realises tomorrow's Premiership game against unbeaten Leigh Centurions will be an entirely different proposition to minnows Milford Marlins, he says more victories will follow.

Precious said: "Losing becomes a habit and in a couple of games this season we have got into situations where we could have won but panicked; what do we do now we're in the lead?

"But last week we kept doing the things we had to do. We learnt a lot in that game.

"Holding on to the ball has been our downfall this year but if we can keep hold of it better like we did last week I think we can push Leigh all the way.

"We can't give them too much respect and should treat the game like we did last week, and if we play like that, backing up like we did, I think we can upset them."

Leigh, minor premiers last year, are the latest top-nine outfit York will face this season and Precious reckons this early programme - barring last week's Challenge Cup game - could not have been much tougher.

"We haven't had much luck, especially with the two games being cancelled over Christmas (versus Huns-let and Swinton)," he said.

"We definitely could have won them and that would be four points on the board. We would then be higher up the table and it puts a different aspect on things. People would be realising we're not whipping boys.

"But we have to take it week by week. It's a matter of concentrating in each game and doing the right things."

The 31-year-old prop knows the job he has to do but reckons the front row at Wasps - with Mick Docherty, Peter Edwards, Steve Hill and Andy Hutchin-son also in there - is strong.

"It's up to us to get a roll on so the half-backs can do damage. But we've got a lot of strength and ability in our front row.

"We know we've got our work cut out this week but hopefully we'll do our job well."

Updated: 11:17 Saturday, February 02, 2002