New-boy Rich Darling did not want York Wasps to receive a money-spinning tie with a Super League big-gun when the draw for the Challenge Cup fourth round was made this evening.

However, the Hull-born 26-year-old wasn't nave to the fact a plum tie would boost the Wasps' coffers.

Instead, he reasoned a comparatively easier match against lesser opposition would give his new club a better chance of winning through to the fifth round - and therefore have two pay-days.

"It would be good to get a big draw but I'm not too bothered," he said after helping the Wasps beat amateurs Oulton Raiders 24-12 yesterday.

"It would be good to get an easier team, like (Northern Ford Premiership basement club) Gateshead. There's no point getting knocked out in the fourth round when you can get another day out for the club by winning."

Darling had a fine debut at full-back, both in defence and with the ball in hand, and capped it all off by finishing the Wasps' superb third try. "I enjoyed it," he said.

"I thought we would turn them over. They came out firing but I thought our quality would come through in the end.

"I was quite happy with my performance."

Not only was it Darling's Wasps debut, but it was also his first full rugby league game of the season, having played only 40 minutes for Heworth in the National Conference League a fortnight ago.

A former Skirlaugh player, he played for Heworth for three seasons but with travelling from his home near Thirsk becoming a bigger problem, decided to switch codes and play for Northallerton in union's Yorkshire League at the beginning of this season.

"I got sick of the travelling and gave it a go with union but I got sick of that and thought I'd better get back to league," he joked.

"I played half a game for Heworth and Lee Crooks (Wasps' coach) rang me up and told me to come down. I've been with the club since. I'm also set to move nearer to York.

"They're a good set of lads here and there are some class players, and I'm glad to be here trying to better myself."

He added: "I knew that if we started firing we would win. It's going to be harder next week against Featherstone Rovers, though. They will be a different class to Oulton but hopefully we can build on today and get stuck in."

Crooks, who praised Darling's fine debut, was delighted his side notched their first win of the season, though he reiterated he was never unduly worried by the prospect of a shock defeat by the National Conference League side.

"Oulton were very enthusiastic and committed as we thought they would be, and they caused us problems.

"They were certainly a credit to the NCL," said the Wasps' chief, who recalled Leroy McKenzie as Nathan Pincher's re-registration was not completed in time.

"But we coped with the pressure early doors and although they took the lead we did not panic.

"At 18-4 at half-time I thought we had the game won but we made mistakes and allowed them back into it. We tried to force the pass a bit too much. However, there were a lot of pluses for us.

"I thought we approached the game well, we created chances and the support play was good. Once our new lads settle in I think we'll be able to get some more wins."

Crooks added: "Having seen the way we've played this season I had no doubts we would win. Only people who haven't seen us thought Oulton might do it. I knew it would be difficult but we have too many good players."

There was no joy for York's two amateur sides - New Earswick All Blacks and Heworth.

All-Blacks lost 44-12 to Swinton Lions, with Heworth beaten 70-0 at Batley Bulldogs.

All Blacks spokesman Charles Rollinson said: "The All Blacks players were applauded off the pitch after one of the most magnificent performances in the club's history.

"People had talked about Swinton possibly setting a record score but we put on a superb display. If you were a neutral it would have been hard at times to tell who the professional side were.

"The 44-12 scoreline flattered them. In reality it was a lot closer than."

Heworth's Ken Sykes said: "They got a really good start and scored quickly again at the beginning of the second half. They had far too much pace for us but our lads tried very hard and never let their heads drop."

Updated: 11:42 Monday, January 29, 2001