THE York City Supporters' Trust has expressed its disappointment about the news that York Wasps Rugby League Club has folded.

The shock news came just a matter of days after the Trust had helped secure the future of their football club with new chairman John Batchelor taking over.

A few weeks ago Trust representatives met with Wasps' chairman John Stabler and vice-chairman Russell Greenfield to discuss their proposed bid for the football club.

The Trust subsequently decided to enter a working partnership with Batchelor, but at the time were grateful for the interest and support shown by Stabler and Greenfield for the Save City Campaign and maintaining professional sport in York.

Trust representative Robert Havercroft said today: "We are very disappointed to hear about the apparent demise of York Wasps.

"It is bad news for professional sport in York and comes at a time when the football club is being offered a fresh start.

"Through the Save City Campaign we managed to mobilise a huge amount of positive support from the fans and the community for the football club.

"A huge amount of hard work and organisation went into the campaign.

"Perhaps some Wasps fans can do the same for their Rugby League Club?"

Meanwhile, a threadbare York City reserves lost 3-0 to Doncaster Rovers at a rain-soaked Bootham Crescent last night.

City had only three professionals in the starting line-up - goalkeeper Russ Howarth, and midfielders Marc Thompson and John Fielding - and finished the game with two Under-16 players on the field in Adam Arthur and Lee Grant.

Rovers, who featured former City striker Neil Campbell in their starting line-up and had ex-Minstermen goalkeeper Andy Warrington on the substitutes' bench, took the lead through Mark Sale on 16 minutes with Matthew Caudwell adding a second before half-time.

Sale grabbed a third for Rovers on 61 minutes.

City featured trialist Greg Pearce in their starting line-up with manager Terry Dolan promising to have a look at the 21-year-old defender again after a steady showing last night.

Updated: 11:35 Thursday, March 21, 2002