MATCH-STARVED rugby league followers must be staggered by the stop start nature of the game in 1998.

A simple question such as "when does the professional rugby league season start?" now has roughly seven different answers.

It could be argued that the season starts with the Silk Cut Challenge Cup third round, when clubs like York entered the fray. Others would put forward fourth round day when the Super League grace the tournament with their presence.

Or was it perhaps the day the first division sides started their league programme on February 8, or even February 22 when odd team out Dewsbury Rams begin.

But even that could be dismissed as a false start by Bradford Bulls fans as their heroes kick off the defence of their title against Huddersfield Giants on April 3. Meanwhile, the remaining Super League clubs will tell you their season begins on April 5.

That brings us to the likes of York and their second division counterparts, who are gearing up for an April 10 opening day - less than a month before the 'showpiece' Challenge Cup final.

Such a set-up leaves York with no less than 54 days between their Silk Cut exit and the start of their league campaign.

Coach Dean Robinson has his players working towards April 10 to reach their peak in terms of strength and conditioning, yet the Wasps were twice forced to 'peak' early for cup ties.

There is a gathering clamour for the Challenge Cup to be shifted from its current position as a pre-season tournament and restored to its rightful place as the season's grand finale, possibly in October.

And surely it is not beyond the realms of possibility for all competitions to start on the same day, with all three divisions sharing the same free weekends for cup matches.

DOUBLE deprival struck my Evening Press/Hogg the Builder man-of-the-match Matt Lambert against Swinton Lions last weekend.

Not only was Lambert denied the winning pay his outstanding second row performance deserved, but he was also denied the Silk Cut Award of £200 and a commemorative medallion.

A Silk Cut representative charged the assembled Press - on this occasion three from York and two from Swinton - with the task of selecting their award winner.

But Lions loose forward Sean Casey was announced Silk Cut man-of-the-match without consultation with the Lambert-lauding York contingent. A case of Matt floored.

REFEREE'S are often associated with allegations of short-sightedness, but rarely has a whistle-blower been criticised for being hard of hearing.

But Oldham official Alan Burke had his ear bent by last weekend's Gigg Lane crowd for his apparent disregard of not one, but two, half-time hooters.

The timekeepers blew on the first tackle after a scrum, and again on the second, but still Burke played on and Swinton touched down in the corner. Mercifully, the York protests were heeded and the score scrubbed off.

THE phrase 'injury prone' was invented for York forward Lea Tichener. Broken arms, cut eyes and concussion are the norm for the physio's best friend.

However, Tich excelled himself in the Challenge Cup against Swinton Lions, requiring treatment within 20 seconds of making his substitute appearance.

He eventually left the field with concussion little more than a minute after replacing Steve Hill. A regular extra's role in TV's Casualty beckons.

COMMENTATOR Jon Champion won high praise from an distant colleague after his Challenge Cup bow last Sunday.

Former Evening Press rugby league writer Martin Lacy hailed a "good job" by the BBC TV man, recalling Champion as a fledgling reporter.

Lacy introduced Jon to the delights of covering York 'A' team games during an early work experience spell with the Press. See, even Champions have to start at the bottom.

CASTLEFORD Tigers - the Wasps' Super League partners and suppliers of playing pair Steve and Andy Hill - have reported a rush on season tickets from the York area.

Tigers' marketing manager Michael McDonald confirmed that their York catchment region has experienced the greatest percentage rise in Cas supporters this season. That's where they're all going!

THE Wasps squad are taking a Level 2 coaching course at York University on the weekends of March 7 and 8, and 14 and 15, between 9am and 5pm. The cost is £25.

Anyone interested in joining the York squad for the sessions, to be taken by an RFL staff coach, should contact Tony Gargan on 01904 634636.

THE Wasps have arranged a friendly fixture with Barrow Border Raiders at Craven Park on Sunday, March 1, kick off 3pm. The clubs intend to make the game an annual affair.

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