Promotion chasing York Rugby League Club are steeling themselves for the Second Division dogfight.

Coach Dean Robinson today predicted the race for the First Division will go down to the wire with the final round of matches on Sunday, September 6.

The Wasps travel to Oldham for their finale and Robinson is aware their fate may rest on the outcome at a hostile Boundary Park.

The coach, who held a soul-searching players' meeting in the wake of Sunday's defeat at Batley Bulldogs, believes his side must win at least five of their remaining seven games to clinch a top three place.

With the White Rose Championship series negotiated, the Wasps have to play each of their rivals in the season's run-in. York have yet to host Batley, Lancashire and Doncaster and travel to Bramley, Workington, Barrow and Oldham.

"If we are going to win the championship we have got to win all seven," said Robinson, whose side are now two points off the Second Division pace. As regards promotion, I believe we could not afford to lose more than two, but to be on the safe side I would suggest no more than one. We are away to Bramley, Workington, Barrow and Oldham and, to be certain of promotion, we must win three out of four and that is the reality of it."

Targets were set within the camp at the team get-together at Huntington Stadium.

"We had a team discussion and set out our own goals for the rest of the season. We are under no illusions as to what we have to do - starting with Bramley," said the coach.

"Losing to Batley makes the task more difficult as well. We know we have to win six or seven to qualify for promotion and know the games we have got. Every one has to be treated like a cup final. The only comfort is that it is the same for the other four or five teams in with a shout. It is not just us that has got it tough. It will be the side with the right mental attitude that will come out on top.

"I am certain it is still there for the taking, all the top six are still in with a shout. It is a more intensive Second Division, as we always knew it would be."

Robinson added that failure to win promotion would leave the Wasps wondering "what if...".

"I just want to go up rather than sit back and lament on what might have been in one or two games we should have won but didn't," he said. "I can see it going right down to the wire and we would have a very tough call on the last day if we have to go there (Oldham) to gain promotion.

"We can also expect 2,500 Oldham supporters trying to stop us doing the job. If we win five out of the next six, which is well within our means if we play as we can, then we should secure promotion before that trip."

Centre Scott Limb was today expected back at training after the expiry of his loan deal at Doncaster Dragons. Scrum-half David Brook starts light training at the weekend after six weeks out with a knee injury. Brook is likely to be in contention for the trip to Bramley on July 26.

Meanwhile, Robinson ruled out a move for former Bramley front rower Dean Hall.

The 28-year-old forward, back in the game after a lengthy suspension, was invited to train with the club but has so far failed to show up at Huntington Stadium.

However, with transfer listed prop Lea Tichener still suspended from the club, Robinson is looking to recruit a front row forward, plus a half-back and a utility back.

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