YORK Wasps second-row Leigh Deakin will be ruled out indefinitely, starting with Sunday's Challenge Cup tie against Milford at Headingley, after breaking his jaw against Rochdale.

Tests have confirmed that the former winger suffered a fracture less than half an hour into the game at Spotland.

Wasps coach Leo Epifania is hopeful that Mick Ramsden will be fit to fill the gap against amateurs Milford, the veteran having missed the defeat by Rochdale with a shoulder problem.

Fellow forward Ian Kirke, however, is still struggling with ankle trouble, while centre Carl Hall has yet to fully test his hamstring injury. Andy Precious, who missed out on Sunday with a leg injury, is also a doubt for Sunday's potential banana skin tie against the National Conference League division two amateur side.

Milford press officer Jim Irons has reported a clean bill of health for the Marlins, barring a shoulder injury to scrum-half Martin Kelly, who looks set to be ruled out for the rest of their season.

The Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup third round tie at Headingley - which provides the perfect opportunity for Wasps to end their record-breaking run of 25 consecutive defeats - is scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm, while York amateur outfit Heworth's big match at Batley Bulldogs is a 3pm kick off, also on Sunday. Heworth, like Wasps' opponents Milford, play in NCL division two.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that York Wasps' rearranged match against Hunslet Hawks is scheduled for Sunday, February 24, provided neither club are in Challenge Cup fifth round action. An incorrect fixture list published by Press Association suggested the match was to take place tomorrow.

Updated: 14:41 Wednesday, January 23, 2002