York Rugby League Club have regained control of their Second Division destiny.

The Wasps' hopes of claiming one of three promotion places now rest in their own hands following their 27-10 defeat of Bramley.

A first victory over the Villagers in three attempts this season leaves York level on points with the Headingley side, but crucially holding a game in hand on their rivals.

Coach Dean Robinson was delighted to finally get the better of Bramley following previous defeats home and away.

"We have a game in hand on Bramley, Lancashire are level with us and they have to come down here, and we still have to play Oldham in the last game of the season," said Robinson.

"We are back to being in charge of out own destiny and it is a nice position to be in. I did not want to be in a position were I am looking for sides to do us a favour."

The coach added that it was reassuring to know that an unbeaten end to the season would see York crowned as champions, with a place in the end of season Treize Tournoi a bonus.

Said Robinson: "If we win all nine games, we are going to France. There are nine games to go but every one will be intense because everybody will be after points. It will be a nail-biting finish."

The Wasps outscored the Villagers by five tries to one at Huntington Stadium yesterday, with Robinson praising his side's ability to handle the pressure.

"It was make or break. It is as much a victory for mental attitude as anything. We have finally beaten them and beaten them well," he said.

"I thought we were by far the better side and the controlled the ball, particularly in the second half. Anything they tried to do in attack we nullified and they resorted to a wild kicking game. It was one of our best performances."

Meanwhile, Castleford Tigers may be prepared to allow teenager winger Jamie Benn to return to the Wasps.

Benn, originally signed on loan for the season, was recalled by the Super League outfit last month when an injury crisis struck the Tigers' squad.

But after several substitute appearances for the Tigers, Benn was not involved in the trip to London yesterday and could be back at York this week.

Said Robinson: "We may ask for a month's loan and he would give us that bit more clout in the goal-kicking department."

Bramley coach Paul Fletcher declared himself "bitterly disappointed" by the result.

"We trained well during the week but we didn't do ourselves justice. They defended well but we didn't them under any pressure. We have got two home games coming up and they are vitally important," he said.

See MATCH REPORT York end Bramley jinx at third time of asking

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