BIG prop Craig Forsyth was having to endure an enforced rest this weekend following his one-match suspension.

So what better time to reveal a one-off sponsorship deal which has helped him rest better than ever?

Basically, the 33-year-old had been having a few back problems caused by his sleeping posture on his old bed, so went to York Bedding Co Ltd on Hungate in York to see if they could help. And help they did.

Forsyth - whose official sponsor is the Rook and Gaskill pub opposite Walmgate Bar - explained: "I had a bad back partly down to my sleeping, and I went to see them to see if they could help. And they were brilliant.

"They made me a bed especially for my requirements - it's probably the biggest bed they've ever made - and I'm exceptionally grateful for it. It's been great since I've had it. I'm getting much better sleep and when I wake up I feel much more refreshed than I used to do."

Of course, the staff at York Bedding Co probably know more about rugby players' requirements than most - as it is run by former York stalwart Danny Sheehan.

He said: "Craig came down and had a chat and we sorted something out for him. We seem to have got it right, so that's another satisfied customer."

Sheehan played for York for 14 years from 1961 before spells at Huddersfield and Batley. He returned to York in the early 1980s as assistant-coach to Phil Lowe - helping to take the club on their memorable run to the Challenge Cup semi-finals - and later took over the reins for a year.

He added: "I've known Craig for a while - I used to play with his dad, Colin - and we're glad we've helped him out."

Hopefully it will have a knock-on effect on the field.

WHETHER it is coincidence, I don't know, but Forsyth was the big winner in this week's Evening Press/Collier Plant Hire Player of the Year standings.

He was named Evening Press man of the match in the Powergen Challenge Cup win over Villeneuve and therefore gleaned three Player of the Year points, and he also received the extra point as voted for by fans, just pipping Jim Elston and John Smith. The total of four points therefore took him to the top of the early leaderboard.

It was a nice turnaround for the front-rower, who was sent off the previous week against Batley, though that dismissal came back to haunt him this week as he was banned for tomorrow's clash at Gateshead and fined £50.

Damian Ball had a busy and effective game at loose-forward in place of the unavailable Danny Seal, and picks up two Player of the Year points, while John Smith had a big impact off the bench and collects the remainder.

As reported last week, fans can now vote for their man of the match via email to peter.martini@ycp.co.uk, with the player who picks up the most votes getting an extra player of the year point.

Standings: Forsyth 4pts, Jackson 3, Langley 3, Ball 3, Rhodes 1, Brough 1, J Smith 1.

Updated: 10:09 Saturday, February 14, 2004