VOCAL backing could have a major say in York Rugby League Club's promotion challenge. So declared supporters' club chairman Dennis Baker as he urged Wasps fans to turn out in force for tomorrow's Second Division tussle with Batley Bulldogs at Huntington Stadium.

Baker has been heartened by the approach of the players, who are playing for nothing until the end of September, and delighted by the response of the club's "hardcore" support.

The York fans were in good voice at Headingley last weekend, cheering and chanting the team to a superb 21-20 victory over promotion rivals Bramley.

Baker said that fans were indebted to the players and chairman Trevor Cox for reaching an agreement over wages to safeguard the immediate future of the club.

"I am really pleased the players stuck together and played for the club, for the good of the club," said Baker.

"A lot of supporters do appreciate the team and Mr Cox. They love the club and like to get behind the players, and the players appreciate their support.

Baker paid tribute to the fans who travelled to Headingley for a match that could prove a turning point in the Wasps' season.

"It is a hardcore and they love their rugby and they wanted to show their appreciation for the players putting up such a good show," he said.

"Everybody wants rugby league in York and hopefully people will come back and support us and get behind the players. I hope they all come this weekend and give us a good cheer for the boys.

"In my opinion they are playing better rugby than we have seen for a year or two. They have got a bit of pride to go away and win, that is what a lot of it is about."IT almost went pear-shaped for former York star Brad Davis during Castleford's nail-biting Super League roadshow game with Warrington in Cardiff.

Describing his game-breaking drop goal, at a crucial stage in the 23-16 win, the Australian half-back said: "I struck the ball like a pear. It was probably my worst field goal ever but it went over and that's the main thing."

Davis added that his army camp experience in the run-up to the game was definitely a once in a life-time opportunity."Maybe the trip to the army camp was what we needed, and it certainly helped with team bonding.

"But I don't want ever to go back," he said.ONE-TIME Wasps team-mates Fata Sini and Jamie Benn blasted into the First and Second Division Association team of the week.

Sini won his place as a try scorer for York against Bramley, while Benn was lauded after booting Keighley Cougars to victory over Dewsbury Rams.

Benn kicked seven goals and scored a try against the Rams, whose try scorers included none other than Damian Ball.

Widnes Viking Mark Hewitt, a brief York loanee, was selected in the hooking position for this week's merit team.SOLICITOR and chairman Trevor Cox could still enjoy a joke during the nervous wait for a "to play or not to play" decision from the Wasps players.

The chairman admitted the suspense was more nerve-wracking than awaiting a jury verdict. "There is more riding on it for me personally," he said with a smile. RUMOUR has it that Rugby Football League headquarters don't know their union from their league.

A media call seeking assistance with a matter concerning 'York Wasps' was reportedly greeted with the response: "York Wasps - aren't they a rugby union team?"CAUTION is the Batley Bulldogs watchword tomorrow according to hooker Mark Cass.

The Bulldogs may have beaten York three times already this season, but Cass commented: "This division has been swings and roundabouts and York have given us difficult games. They ran us close when we beat them 8-3."THE Wasps Academy aim to maintain their impressive away record when they travel to Gateshead tomorrow, kick off 2.30pm.LEA Tichener was all but lost for words before and after his comeback game against Bramley. The prop forward, suspended by the club for most of July, could only exclaim: "I love this game."

A SIXTH minute drop goal attempt by Mark Cain at Bramley drew a dry comment from no less than Leeds Rhinos coach Graham Murray. "This kid wants to win it 1-0," declared the Australian boss.WHO said union was a walk in the park? Bramley winger Simon Middleton, commenting on his time on the wing for Leeds RU, revealed he scored a try each time he touched the ball that season. His try tally? Four.THE magnificent seven are staging a ratings breakaway. The superb, against-all-odds victory over Bramley has seen a shift in power in the Evening Press/Hogg the Builder player of the year standings.

A batch of seven players have reached an average mark of seven or better, with experienced prop forward Craig Booth setting the standard for his team-mates.

Centre Shaun Austerfield's brilliant form keeps him in second spot, while young gun Alex Godfrey heads the best of the rest following his first real run in the side.

The player leading the averages at the end of the season will receive a trophy and a cheque for £200 from sponsors Hogg the Builder.

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