I WRITE in reply to Colin Jeffrey's letter (Evening Press, Tuesday, May 17) about the lack of sporting success in York.

While I can empathise with many of his points it is far from doom and gloom.

He refers to the 62-0 beating York City Knights RL suffered in Challenge Cup at St Helens. The result wasn't great, but being realistic it was expected.

The atmosphere that night was the best I have ever known at a Rugby League game in many years of watching the sport. The 25 minutes 'sing-athon' by York fans will be the stuff of legend.

It was a fantastic cup match experience a great advert for the camaraderie of Rugby League fans and a great credit to the people of York and St Helens.

York City Knights have risen from the despondency of the Wasps to being a solvent, well-run club with an entertaining team and a vibrant fan base - all this in about 2 years. It shows what can be done.

This year has seen York Acorn and New Earswick All Blacks ARL teams gain promotion.

Both these teams are pivotal community clubs, so while we may not quite be a Wigan just yet the positives of sport in York should be applauded.

Phil Watson,

Millfield Close,

York.

Updated: 10:34 Tuesday, May 24, 2005