THE bid to kick-start York RL is gathering momentum - but the new club are still just under £30,000 short of their target.

With just eight days to go until the August 31 deadline set by the Rugby Football League for the club to have £75,000 in the bank, the driving forces behind the new York set-up are hoping for a final push to see them smash their target.

Steve Ferres, who will take up the post of chief executive at the club, told the Evening Press: "It is starting to gather momentum now, especially with the deal for season tickets, but we have got to keep it up.

"We need a big push for us to reach the £75,000 barrier, before moving on from there.

"It is great people are getting behind us, and we are delighted that they have come forward, but we need them to tell their friends and family to get them involved."

Ferres ultimately hopes that the club can raise a total of £250,000 to give them a financially secure footing on which to build a prosperous club and successful team.

However, York RL are looking first at banking the £75,000 stipulated by the RFL to allow them to enter the new-look National League set-up for next season.

Fans can lend their support to the cause by purchasing one of the fabulous membership deals for £250, which will guarantee free admission to matches at Huntington Stadium for an adult plus a child, and gives members many city-wide discounts, including match-day benefits.

There are a number of other deals, including a £500 family deal, which gives full membership to a family of two adults and their children; a pensioner deal for £200 for all over-65s; and a junior deal for £30 for youngsters aged from 12 to 16.

Ten-year membership deals are also being offered for anyone wanting to secure membership for a decade at a cut price of just £1,000, while life memberships are also open to the over-65s at just £500 each.

Payments, with name and address, can be made to Hague and Dixon Solicitors (York RLFC), Bank House, 1 The Square, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1AG.

Cheques should be made payable to Hague and Dixon Solicitors (York RLFC). Standing orders can be made out to Hague and Dixon Solicitors (York RLFC), account number 70430021, sort code 209956, at Barclays Bank, Parliament Street, York.

Updated: 12:07 Friday, August 23, 2002