Giant-killers Egremont Rangers stand between York Rugby League Club and the chance of a lucrative Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie against one of Super League's big guns.

The Cumbrians visit Huntington Stadium in the third round on January 31, confident of repeating last season's success when they knocked out professional neighbours Workington before succumbing to eventual winners Sheffield Eagles in the last 16.

It is a difficult draw for the Wasps who have twice been the victims of amateur upsets in the last four years, losing to West Hull in the 1995-96 season and Dudley Hill in 1997.

But York chief executive Jim Race has no fears over Egremont's cup reputation. He said: "I've no worries on that score. Workington are not York. Dean (Robinson) has had upsets in the past and he won't be looking for another one. The York players will be up for it."

Race was still disappointed with the draw, claiming the tie was not likely to draw the crowd the club were hoping for.

"It's not the best of draws we could have had. It's one of those when we're on a hiding to nothing.

"They're not going to be the best supported team and it's their cup final. We were hoping for a more local side because we were hoping for a bumper crowd," he added.

But that blow could soon be forgotten if York go through - Super League clubs enter at the next stage which could give the Wasps a massive draw in the fourth round, as well as picking up £5,250 as third round winners.

National Conference League champions Egremont, who defeated North West Counties side Haydock 21-0 in the last round, have been finding life in the premier division slightly tougher this season and are not the same force they were in the last campaign.

They currently lie in sixth place of the premier division but are well off the pace being set by leaders Skirlaugh Bulls and York should have the extra class to pull through.

The only stumbling block could be the timing of the match - it will be the Wasps first competitive game of the season while Egremont are midway through their campaign.

Wasps coach Dean Robinson could approach his predecessor Stewart Horton, now in charge at their amateur neighbours Heworth, for a bit of advice - the Villagers defeated Egremont 11-10 in August before being beaten 32-0 in the return fixture in November.

York should heed the words of John Kear, coach of surprise 1998 Wembley winners Sheffield, who is warning of more upsets in this season's competition.

He said: "The gap between the amateurs and the semi-professionals has narrowed and there are many playing in the Conference League who could sit quite comfortably in the First Division."

All the First Division clubs have home advantage for the third-round ties along with Hemel Stags, who were exempt from the opening rounds after being granted associate membership of the Rugby Football League.

Meanwhile, York have confirmed they have been forced to postpone Sunday's friendly at Hunslet. The Wasps squad has been decimated by the flu bug sweeping the nation and currently have less than a dozen fit players. It is hoped the game can be re-arranged.

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