York Wasps have welcomed the decision to scrap plans for Northern Ford Premiership clubs to return to a full winter season.

NFP clubs voted last month to kick-off the new campaign on September 23, effectively ending promotion and relegation between the NFP and Super League.

But the decision was overturned by the Rugby Football League Council at their meeting in Salford yesterday.

It is now expected the season will begin in December, as it has for the last two years, but a special planning committee has been set up to explore all possibilities.

Wasps chief executive Ann Garvey, who originally voted for a December start, was relieved at the verdict.

"As a club that's what we always wanted so we're delighted," she said. "There is no definite date in December but it's the ideal time for us.

"From our point of view it wouldn't be right to go back to our sponsors for a second time in one year. Plus a December start gives us chance to reorganise the team and get some players on board.

The Council will reconvene soon to consider the committee's proposals before making a final decision.

The NFP switched from a summer season to a partial winter season two years ago. In 1999 they kicked off on Boxing Day and this year brought forward the opening day to the beginning of December.

Updated: 12:23 Thursday, June 07, 2001