ROLL out the barrel. York Rugby League Club have reached their cash deadline with just hours to spare - thanks to John Smith's Brewery.

The Tadcaster-based brewers came up with the final £5,000 in a deal brokered by the Evening Press to enable the York club to return to the Rugby Football League next season.

Supporters and organisers of the new club had to have £75,000 in the bank before today's deadline otherwise they would not be admitted to the RFL fold.

With the hours drifting by and the club still short of its target, the Evening Press, backers of the Kick-Start York RL appeal, put John Smith's in touch with the club's chief executive in waiting, Steve Ferres.

The brewery, whose products are on sale at Huntington Stadium, were happy to give the final cash injection necessary to reach the target.

"I'm absolutely delighted," said Ferres.

"It has been hard work but I am elated. The people of York have demonstrated that they want a rugby club and they deserve one. It is onwards and upwards from here on."

"We are extremely grateful to John Smith's for getting us over the finishing line and to the Evening Press for their help in securing the money."

Paul Hewitt, John Smith's director of sales, said: "Obviously we are a local business and we have a brand which is particularly popular in the area. John Smith's is synonymous with York and we have close links with many types of sports and rugby league is one of those.

"We are delighted that we are able to support the York club."

Ferres will contact the RFL next week to report that York have met the financial criteria.

He'll then start targeting local businesses as he sets about raising an additional £175,000 in sponsorship.

Updated: 11:07 Saturday, August 31, 2002