York Wasps have been set a revenge mission after being drawn against Dudley Hill in the third round of rugby league's Silk Cut Challenge Cup.

WORK: Andy Precious

The Bradford amateurs caused one of the shocks of the competition when they defeated York 21-14 at the same stage in 1997.

But the Wasps have come a long way since that dreadful day at Huntington Stadium and will not be expecting history to repeat itself.

Five members of that beaten York side - Mark Cain, Alan Pallister, Lea Tichener, Rich Hayes and Andy Preston - will again be in contention to face Dudley Hill this time round.

It was the second successive year they had been knocked out by amateurs having lost to West Hull in 1996 and, as Tichener pointed out, they want to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"At the time was a big concern. It was devastating to be beaten," said 'Tich', who is recovering from a groin strain.

"Even going back to West Hull when some people had excuses it's not a nice thing but you've got to go on and prove better.

"Some of these games are one-offs and an amateur team always raises their game to any professional team. Some professional teams think it's a doddle and I think that's where we've gone wrong in the past.

"But the worries of those days have gone. We've all come on as a team. We wouldn't underestimate any team but I don't think we have that worry we've had in past years."

Last season York showed they had moved up to a different class as they hammered Egremont Rangers 57-2 in the third round. They went on to defeat Rochdale in extra-time before bowing out in style at Super League side Castleford Tigers.

Dudley Hill are currently mid-table in the National Conference premier division and will bring a healthy following to Huntington Stadium on January 29-30.

The history between the sides will add extra bite to the tie and should ensure plenty of media interest.

All NFP teams were guaranteed home ties in last night's draw which threw up some interesting pairings.

West Hull face a tougher test this time when they visit Widnes, while there will be plenty of interest in other parts of East Yorkshire where Hull KR will entertain local rivals Ideal Isberg.

Rejuvenated Doncaster Dragons landed an attractive tie against French league champions St Gaudens while Cup winners Villeneuve were paired with amateurs Castleford Lock Lane, a game that is set to be staged at Wheldon Road.

Re-formed Sheffield Eagles, who stunned the rugby league world in their first life by lifting the 1998 Challenge Cup at Wembley, will take on Dewsbury amateurs Thornhill Trojans while the Army, so impressive on their first appearance in the competition, have an intriguing tie at Rochdale Hornets.

Blow as Precious floored by work

Luckless York Wasps have been robbed of the services of prop forward Andy Precious for six weeks, writes Dianne Hillaby.

Injuries and illness have already decimated Dean Robinson's squad and now work commitments have forced Precious out of the reckoning.

His job as a director of a carpet company will take him away from York for the next six weeks, putting him out of action until March.

He will be back in the city at weekends so may be called on for cover if they are short of players. However that would not be an ideal situation as he will not be involved in training or match preparations.

Robinson said: "We may have to stick him on the bench if we are desperate because he will be here. But as far as the club are concerned he is not available."

Precious, 29, is one of York's longest serving players. Last season he was a vital member of the squad and was involved in all but four of the Wasps matches.

With so few players to call on, his loss will be a big blow for Robinson. Also missing for Sunday's home clash with newl-formed Sheffield Eagles is utility back John McCracken. He aggravated a back injury in last Sunday's defeat at Keighley and is definitely ruled out.

However, Robinson will have three players back in contention against Sheffield.

Prop Steve Hill returns after missing the Keighley game with concussion, Andy Preston has overcome a knee injury and skipper Paul Darley has recovered from flu.

Some new faces could also be on board in time for Sunday's match. Robinson was today hoping to finalise two or three loan signings from a Super League club and they would go straight into the squad to face Sheffield.

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