SPEED-MERCHANT Neil Bennett has joined the York Wasps revolution.

The Evening Press previously reported that the pacy winger was rumoured to be moving to Huntington Stadium, but the club refused to comment on the speculation.

However - as revealed on this website yesterday - chief executive Ann Garvey has now confirmed the 26-year-old has signed a one-year deal, becoming the third player this season to move from Doncaster Dragons to York following Peter Edwards and Carl Hall.

Bennett had left Belle Vue at the end of last season after a reported bust-up with coach St John Ellis, the former York player, and has been playing for amateur outfit Redhill.

The Dragons were reportedly keen on re-signing him, but he has instead agreed to make the switch to York.

Garvey said: "He will bring a lot of pace to the back division and he is an excellent try-scorer.

"Hopefully, alongside someone like Carl Hall, he will be able to form a good combination down the flank."

Bennett made his name at Doncaster after signing from amateurs Castleford Lock Lane in 1999, scoring 14 tries in 12 appearances, one as substitute, in his first season and catching the eye of several Super League clubs. Last season he notched three touchdowns in 13 matches plus three as substitute.

"We have been looking for a bit of pace and I think we have found it with Neil Bennett. He is an excellent winger," added Garvey.

Bennett has been training with Wasps but Garvey said it was unlikely that he would be in the squad for the New Year's Day match against Swinton Lions at Huntington Stadium.

Updated: 10:47 Saturday, December 29, 2001