THERE was more good news for York this week when it revealed that all sponsorship packages for the Knights' opening match tomorrow had sold out.

Browns of York, the department store, has the privilege of being the first match sponsors for the Knights, while city centre restaurant the Blue Bicycle is the first match-ball sponsor.

Furthermore, many of the players have already received individual sponsorship, including Aussie Trevor Krause being sponsored by the Blue Bicycle. All sponsors - most of whom are York-based - will be named in match programmes.

Chief executive Steve Ferres said: "This shows we're attracting the commercial entity and we hope all our sponsors enjoy the day at the match."

TALKING of sponsors, full marks to Arriva Trains Northern for their sponsorship of the National League Cup.

The firm - which has headquarters in York - has not only bumped up the prize-money to £70,000, with £12,500 to the winners, but it is also set to advertise the competition on trains and stations across the country.

The competition begins tomorrow with the start of the qualifying phase which sees teams split into groups of five predominantly neighbouring clubs, which will provide many local derbies.

The top two from each group qualify for the knockout stages later in the year.

Rugby Football League marketing director Chris Green said: "The Arriva Trains Cup will provide some fantastic games.

"The qualifying phase forms the first four months of the season for National League One and Two clubs and will see a number of intriguing clashes involving fierce rivalries. It will create a real vibrancy for all the competing clubs among supporters and within their communities."

Commenting on the launch of the tournament, ATN commercial director Dyan Crowther said: "Many of the clubs are situated in the areas and communities served by our trains.

"The Arriva Trains Cup is a fantastic first half of the season and will provide great enjoyment for thousands of people."

She added: "This is an important partnership for us and we will be actively promoting Arriva Trains Cup games - including a poster campaign - at stations across the region and on our trains."

Updated: 11:53 Saturday, January 18, 2003