GHOSTBUSTER in chief Alan Pallister was today homing in on a home draw after York Rugby League Club exorcised their Silk Cut Challenge Cup ghouls, writes Stuart Martel.

The Wasps' captain supplied two second half tries in three minutes to break the spirit of amateurs Norland and spur his side to a 37-5 victory, their first cup success in more than two years.

But, even after the 16th minute sending off of ex-York player Darren Hutchinson, the visiting part-timers offered a stern test for their professional hosts.

Said Pallister: "It was long overdue. We went out and did the business, no problem. I did not think they looked like scoring but my try came at the right time. We are not bothered who we get next, we will take anybody at home."

With his side safely into the hat for tonight's fourth round draw, Wasps coach Dean Robinson admitted his players were under pressure following previous exits to West Hull and Dudley Hill.

"We tried to keep the pressure from the players all week but obviously there has been some focus on York as regards the previous two seasons. But it has been a difficult week," he said.

"We have not acknowledged that pressure because I wanted to drill into the players that we are about the future, but I would be lying to say the pressure was not there."

The Wasps appeared edgy in the opening throes of the match but Robinson revealed he was preaching the virtue of patience at half-time.

"At certain stages in the first half we did lose the plot a little bit trying to force the play. We talked to them at half-time and they knew the gaps would come and the points would come," said the coach.

"I knew they were a good side and I think they played extremely well and for 50 minutes they were a match for us. They came strong and hard when they still had a chance of winning, but we defended well."

Norland coach Keith Foster applauded his side's tremendous efforts. "There was 100 per cent effort, guts and determination. I cannot speak highly enough of them," he said.

"The first 20 minutes of the second half were crucial and unfortunately picked up the ball and got six points. It would have been a different story if Darren had stayed on. After that we had to play off the cuff rugby."

Both sides could face a Rugby Football League disciplinary rap after referee Paul Lee placed two brawling incidents on report, one following a high tackle on York's Mark Cain and another which was sparked by an injury to Norland winger Dave Carrick.

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