DEAN ROBINSON leads York Wasps into their first battle of the new season tomorrow confident they will not fall prey to Cumbrian giantkillers Egremont Rangers.

The amateurs provided one of the major shocks of last season's Silk Cut Challenge Cup when they sent professional neighbours Workington Town crashing out of the competition.

But the Wasps coach has no fears of a repeat upset at Huntington Stadium as his side look to secure a place in the fourth round. He said: "Egremont have made no secret of the fact they fancy their chances. They're coming at the height of their conditioning and team preparation while we're in the early stages of ours.

"It's that criteria which results in the upsets we've seen in the last two or three seasons. But if we don't go out with complacency, stick to our game plan and don't get sucked into their game then I believe we're much too strong for them."

Robinson watched the National Conference premier division champions in their defeat by West Hull two weeks ago and has prepared his side to counter-act the creative skills of stand off Robert Purdham and their big forwards.

New team captain John Strange believes the Wasps defence will be a crucial factor in the outcome. The Australian full-back said: "We've got a good defensive side. We were the best in our division last season and second overall only to Wigan so they'll find it very hard to break us.

"I think they will be kicking all day with chips and grubbers. That will be their game plan because realistically that will be their only way of getting over the line and we've been working on that. We'll be up for the game and know how they're going to play so we should come up with the win."

Young Wasps scrum half Andy Preston has been given the chance to stake an early claim for the number seven shirt, ousting last season's first choice Mick Crane. Chris Judge has overcome a back injury to take his place in the second row, while Steve Hill steps in at prop to replace Paul Darley who is out for six weeks after fracturing his cheekbone.

New Zealander Peter Edwards begins his first game at loose forward with Darren Callaghan, a recent signing from York Acorn, on the bench.

Egremont, who will hold a pre-match training session at Heworth's Elm Park Way ground, have been showing blistering form in recent weeks, winning 10 out of their last 12 games to climb to fifth in the Conference premier.

Coach John Brocklebank said: "This game is one of the highlights of our year and we will give it our best shot. We have had extra training over the last three weeks at the request of the players to build up their stamina levels so we will be as prepared as we can be."

Rangers will have three coach loads of fans in what is expected to be a bumper crowd with every turnstile in the ground open. Everyone must pay on the day. Tickets are £7 adult ground admission (£4 children) with a £2 transfer to the seats.

York: Strange, Benn, Goddard, Austerfield, Deakin, Cain, Preston, Booth, Pallister, Hill, Judge, Lambert, Edwards. Subs: Hopcutt, Precious, Callaghan, Tichener.

Egremont: from M Beckwith, Blacklock, D Stainton, Gate, Colley, R Purdham, Morris, Chorley, Young, Shipley, Bawden, Long, Walker, G Purdham, Brocklebank, R Beckwith, Suafoa.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.