ON a weekend which saw one Super League outfit scalped by the underdog and two others get the fright of their lives, Saints escaped any drama as they eased through to the last eight of the Challenge Cup.

Saints boss Keiron Cunningham used the encounter to rest a few players, youngsters Olly Davies and Morgan Knowles gratefully took their places in the 17.

Despite those changes, tactically Saints played it quite conservatively, treating York as if they were a Leeds, Hull or a Warrington.

It did bring the occasional cry of frustration, especially when stand in scrum half Jon Wilkin kicked early in the set rather than putting it through hands, but this was the plan.

Although the scoring rate was frustratingly low in the opening quarter with some of the passing a little skew-whiff, Saints completed their sets, put some shrewd kicks in which they chased well and really turned the screw on the visitors.

It is 31 years since York reached the Challenge Cup semi finals – and nobody but the most ultra optimistic member of the travelling contingent expected that to change this season.

But the Minstermen, though lacking in size and the same level of full-time fitness, showed spirit in abundance and earned plenty of friends for their approach to the game.

Although there was nothing flashy about Saints’ first half display, they ultimately ground down the plucky opposition until eventually their defensive resolve cracked through sheer fatigue.

Saints started brightly enough with Adam Swift dashing in at the corner on four minutes and then Mark Percival dabbing the ball through for Makinson.

But they then seemed unable to penetrate the York defence, with it being another 19 minutes before Wilkin’s long, wide kick was collected by Makinson.

Swift followed suit on the other flank after some quick passing and then Percival powered home just before the break to make it 22-0.

Makinson grabbed his hat-trick from another Wilkin kick and then made it four when he burned off the York cover after supporting Travis Burns and Percival.

Neat play from Dougie Charnock set up Mark Flanagan for a smartly taken score, before quick hands from Burns and McDonnell fashioned a hat-trick for Swift.

Tyler Craig grabbed a late consolation for the visitors, who contributed much to the cup atmosphere, but for Saints this was a job done.

Although Saints were on a hiding to nothing against the League One minnows, there were nevertheless some pleasing pointers from the 80 minutes not least the enthusiastic displays of the two debutants Davies and Knowles.