The eyes of the rugby league world will be on New Earswick next month after the All Blacks were handed a history-making tie with Bangor Vikings in the first round of the Challenge Cup.

Bangor are the first side from Northern Ireland to take part in the prestigious competition.

They will visit New Earswick's White Rose Avenue ground on the weekend of December 2/3, in a match which is certain to be monitored by the country's media.

Heworth have also been given an interesting tie, away against the RAF. The Armed Forces have made rapid progress over the last couple of seasons and they will give the Villagers a stern test.

York Acorn entertain Halton Simms Cross in a tricky encounter at Thanet Road. The Widnes club currently lead the North West Counties premier division, having lost just one of their seven games so far.

* York Wasps continue their pre-season programme with a trip to Northern Ford Premiership rivals Featherstone Rovers on Friday (ko 7.30pm).

They will be looking for an improvement from last Friday's 8-0 defeat by Hunslet Hawks when several players made their Wasps debuts.

The final pre-season match is at home to Gateshead Thunder on Sunday, November 26, a week before the Wasps get their NFP season underway at home to Doncaster Dragons on December 3.

Two buses are being laid on for York fans travelling to Friday's match at the Lionheart Stadium.

The Supporters' Club coach will be leaving Huntington Stadium at 5.30pm, with various pick-up points.

The cost is £6.50 for Supporters Club members and £7.50 for non-members. For details contact Louise on 07759-367839.