WIGAN has a population some 25,000 smaller than York.

Wigan has a rugby league club with a tradition of achievements world-renowned. Wigan's football club attracted a rich Lancastrian benefactor, and will play in the Premiership next season.

Both clubs share a lovely modern stadium.

York City Knights Rugby League Club seemed quite satisfied to lose 'only' 62-0 recently. York City FC have finished just three places off relegation from English football's fifth-ranked league.

The relatively anonymous York Rugby Union Club plays several divisions lower than clubs representing smaller places like Bath, Gloucester and Worcester - each members of the elite RU Premiership.

Does anyone have a rational explanation? Only Knavesmire keeps York on the sporting map.

Colin S. Jeffrey,

East Mount Road,

York.

Updated: 11:02 Tuesday, May 17, 2005