York's amateur rugby league dream team York Ironsides are aiming to erase their bridesmaid status by lifting the Fairfax Cup at the York 9s tomorrow.

The Ironsides, led by BARLA stalwart Spen Allison, have had to watch other teams lift the cup every year despite making the semi-final in 2002 and the last two finals and will be looking to get their name on the cup for the first time this weekend at Heworth.

Tournament director Stefan Hopewell said: "I sincerely hope that the Ironsides will not suffer the same fate as the infamous bridesmaid, who saw three friends marry but was never a bride herself. They are the home side and are up there among the favourites to win the tournament, but if they are not careful, they are in danger of never winning it.

"They must overcome the psychological barrier that they have developed if they are to win this year.

"But Spen Allison is back with the team after missing out last year and I am sure he will give the team all the encouragement they need."

The qualifying stages kicked off at 10.30am today with the action continuing all day ahead of tomorrow's knockout stages, which start at 11.30am.

Updated: 10:35 Saturday, June 04, 2005