YORK Wasps fans' favourites Steve Hill and Jamie Benn have been snapped up by Batley, with the former making his debut for the Bulldogs on Friday. Both players had stayed with the Wasps in the hope the club might be saved but were forced to move on following the collapse of the proposed take-over last week, which saw the Wasps pull out of the National League Cup and provisionally resign from the Rugby Football League.

The duo, along with the rest of the squad, had been free agents ever since the club ceased trading a fortnight ago, but were among those players who attended the fans' public meeting last Sunday in its bid to keep the club alive.

Batley had shown an interest in Hill for some time, with the then coach Jon Sharp making an approach last season. The 25-year-old instead moved to his home-town club from Sheffield Eagles for his second spell with the Wasps.

However, he signed for Bulldogs in time to play at prop in their Buddies National League Cup 34-24 defeat by Dewsbury Rams on Friday.

Batley have also announced the signing of Benn, the Wasps' highly regarded full-back.

The 24-year-old former Castleford back still holds the Wasps' points and goals in a match records with 30 points and 13 goals, and was in his third spell at Huntington Stadium.

Batley had also approached York's hooker, Peter Edwards, before the former Kiwi international signed for former club Doncaster Dragons.

Updated: 11:36 Monday, April 01, 2002