Robinson stands by his squad

York Rugby League Club coach Dean Robinson today revealed money is available to strengthen his promotion-chasing squad.

But the Wasps boss declared that he would keep faith in his current crop of players and resist the urge to rush into the transfer market.

Robinson, who yesterday axed Lee Hanlan and Matt Lambert from the squad, told the Evening Press that chief executive Phil Elliott was prepared to release funds for new signings.

"He has said there is money available to strengthen the squad but there are no specific players in mind," said the coach.

"If I feel it necessary to strengthen for the second half of the season, there is money available and I will look around as to what is available.

"But I have nobody in mind and I have faith in the current squad to do the job we set ourselves and gain one of the promotion spots."

However, Robinson added that a top quality forward would be a welcome addition to the squad - providing the right player came along.

The coach believes an experienced campaigner could galvanise an impressive Wasps' pack, which already features consistent performers Paul Darley, Craig Booth, Stuart Flowers, Lea Tichener and Andy Hill.

A winning blend, meanwhile, has been struck in the back division with wingers Leigh Deakin and Fata Sini flanking centre pair Shaun Austerfield and Craig Moore.

"I would love to bring a forward of real quality into the squad to gel with the current lads but it would have to be somebody of undoubted quality to bring them in at this stage," said the coach.

"There is a fine balance. With bringing somebody in, who may be on paper a better calibre of player, by the time he has settled down the season is nearly over.

"It is nice to know that is somebody does come along that the money is there for me to do something about it."

THE changing face of the Second Division is indicated by the top billing afforded to the Wasps clash with deposed league leaders Bramley.

Go FASDA, the new information bulletin promoting First and Second Division clubs, boldly heralds tomorrow's Huntington Stadium clash as the "Division Two match of the week".

York's Paul 'Chubba' Darley and Bramley's Justin Eldershaw have been singled out as the form players ahead of the 3pm big kick off.

Traditionally the words "basement clash" have more readily accompanied talk of York v Bramley, but not in the new all-or-nothing chase for promotion to the First Division.

TRY-SCORING centre Shaun Austerfield won a place in this week's FASDA Team of the Week following his outstanding performance against Doncaster Dragons.

Austerfield, who scored his fourth try of the season in the 44-12 victory, is the first Wasps' player to feature in the new merit line-up.

The full team, named by a team of FASDA experts, is: Bowker (Leigh), Parsley (Lancashire), Henare (Workington), Austerfield (York), Price-Jones (Swinton), Manihera (Widnes), Close (Workington), Powell (Batley), Hough (Oldham), Rose (Dewsbury), W Freeman (Bramley), Fletcher (Hull KR), Slater (Featherstone).

Featherstone Rovers were awarded Club of the Week status for their 21-0 whitewash of First Division leaders Wakefield Trinity.

WASPS skipper Stuart Flowers is the proud father of 12.

The unflappable, affable Flowers returned home recently to discover his Dalmatian had given birth to a dozen puppies.

However, if that multiple birth was not enough to cope with, the family Flowers have spent days trying to come up with names for their new off-spring.

Skipper Stuart tells Wasps Watch that Dalmatians must have upper crust names, so there are no 'Rovers' or 'Spots' in that litter.Instead Flowers and friends have been scouring the horseracing pages, searching for suitably impressive names and have thus far come up with Chloe, Kendall's Lad and Boswell Boy.

STATISTICIAN Steve Harris has been tackled about his tackle facts. Wasps Watch understands that prop forward Craig Booth is in disagreement with Harris over the number of tackles recently attributed to fellow forward Andy Precious.

The clash led Booth to suggest that Precious might top the tackle count against Doncaster last week - even though he was 18th man.

THE musical tastes of the Wasps squad were slightly more awry than their finishing last weekend. Prior to the seven-try battering of Doncaster, the dulcet tones of Bonnie Tyler were heard resounding from the home dressing room. The song in question, pop pickers, was Tyler's 1983 number one 'smash hit' Total Eclipse of the Heart.

A FREUDIAN slip was an off-field highlight during York's second half demolition of Doncaster Dragons last weekend. After much criticism of Bramley's links with Super League side Leeds Rhinos, Wasps tannoy announcer Mark Brayshaw encouraged spectators to attend York's next game against "Bramley Rhinos". Ouch.

THE Wasps Academy side have turned the tables on their senior club-mates. The youngsters, normally in curtain-raiser action before the first team do battle, will kick off after the senior side's game with Bramley tomorrow. Due to problems with changing facilities, the Academy will kick off against Dewsbury at 5.30pm.

A COLLECTION of programmes past and present will be on sale in the reception area at Huntington Stadium before tomorrow's game with Bramley. The programmes, uncovered by general manager Mick Scaife, will be priced at 50p each.

WAS a close encounter behind York's return to form against the Dragons last week? As skipper Stuart Flowers was tossing up before kick off, the remaining Wasps retreated into a tight-knit huddle.

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