Sizzling York Wasps' first shut-out in five years maintained their place among the Premiership's best following a week of hard work and soul searching.

Their 46-0 demolition of Whitehaven Warriors yesterday was the first time the Wasps had nilled a side since the 50-0 win over Bramley in March 1994 and the performance earned praise from assistant coach John Paterson.

After two successive defeats at Rochdale and Dewsbury it was just the morale-boosting display they needed and Paterson said: "All the lads are delighted. Nilling them was the biggest thing, it's the first time they've done that this year.

"We didn't play very well against Rochdale or against Dewsbury and deserved to get beat but we've addressed the problems in video sessions and on the training park and it's paid dividends.

"We've worked hard on defence all week and I'm not surprised we nilled them, but I didn't expect it.

"We've prepared hard all week. We said that they were going to be a big side and we've defended well, moved up quickly and stopped them getting any momentum. We've got a good set of lads here, they work together and they're up for it, and hopefully now we can get back to maintaining our top five push."

The other key to victory was the performance of half-backs Mark Cain and Darren Callaghan who were back to their sparkling best.

Referring to their less effective displays of the past two games, Paterson said: "They are still young lads. Sometimes they believe their own publicity and tend sometimes to get carried away a little bit. They think they're playing better than they.

"But Dean (Robinson) has brought them back to earth a bit and they led us well today. They've taken us forward in attack and defended well between them. They've got a nice understanding."

The pair have been linked to Super League newboys Gateshead Thunder and, though Paterson believes that may not be the right move, he is confident they will soon be playing in the top flight.

"If they keep playing like this then in another 12 months you will probably have to travel to a Super League ground to see them play.

"As far as their development goes I'd prefer them to stay here and play first team football. They're young lads and need first team football and, though going to a Super League club will give them good experience, they'd be playing a lot of Alliance or Under-21 football.

"But if the right offer came in and the money was right I don't think the club could afford to turn it down."

The Wasps now have a two-week break before taking on Featherstone Rovers, by which time most of the injury problems are expected to have cleared up. Leigh Deakin, substituted yesterday after suffering a knock in his hip bone, was the only casualty from the match.

Robinson denies link to Cougars

Angry York Wasps coach Dean Robinson has scotched rumours that he has applied for the vacant coaching position at Keighley Cougars.

Robinson is fuming over what he claims is a "malicious" rumour which appeared in Dave "Nosey" Parker's column in today's Rugby Leaguer.

Robinson, who was unaware of the article until being informed by the Evening Press, said: "I can categorically say I have never had any interest whatsoever in the Keighley position. I have never contacted the Keighley club.

"My loyalty is to York Rugby league Club and the team I've brought together over the past two seasons. I've got a long way to go with that team and whoever has informed Mr Parker of these things has done so maliciously as I understand how rumours start but they must have some kind of source. I will be speaking to him today demanding a retraction.

"I would like to assure the supporters that although I have certain problems at the club my loyalty is to them and the players.

"This is now the third occasion that information has been given to the rugby periodicals and the Evening Press which is totally inaccurate and without foundation and I believe that the person responsible is working not in the interest of York Rugby League Club and it has been devised to try and unrest what is basically a very happy family of players, coaching staff and supporters .

"I will be seeking to redress the situation in relation to this and comments placed in the programme on Sunday afternoon."

Chief executive Jim Race today confirmed Robinson had not informed him of any approach to Keighley and said: "As far as the club's concerned we have heard nothing official but if and when it happens the directors will take appropriate action."

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