MARK Cain was full of praise for his former York Wasps team-mates after they gave his Dewsbury Rams side a first half fright at Huntington Stadium.

York led the league leaders 17-16 after a fantastic first 40 minutes before succumbing to a Rams onslaught in the second half.

Dewsbury eventually cruised to a 56-17 victory but Cain, who came on as a second half substitute, believed the only difference between the sides was confidence.

"The lads from York played really well in the first half and frustrated us. If they had played like that in the second they would have pushed us pretty close," said the 24-year-old half-back.

"I think it's a confidence thing. If they had more self belief they would have given us more of a game. At the moment Dewsbury are full of confidence."

Cain, who left York for Dewsbury two weeks ago, admitted it had been difficult to walk away from Huntington Stadium after five years.

But he believes he has done the right thing and will learn a lot under Dewsbury's respected coach Neil Kelly.

He said: "It was a bit of a wrench to leave but I'm really enjoying it. It was a good career move and it opens up a lot of options. I'm in the shop window a bit more. Playing in bigger occasions people watch you more.

"The opportunity to work with Neil Kelly was too good to miss. I think my game needs a bit of coaching because I've still got things to learn. I spoke to a few of the lads that I knew at Dewsbury and they encouraged me to come down. They've made me feel very welcome."

York's in-form second rower Andy Hill claimed the Wasps hit a season's high in the first half.

He said: "I think the first half was the best we've played all year but in the second half it was just a 15 minute spell that put our heads down. It was a case of whoever scored the first try of the second half would take control. But I don't think the score reflected the game.

"I think we can take a lot out of this game for next week because we know we can do it."

Referring to the sin-binning of Kiwi forward Michael Smith towards the end of the first half, Hill added: "With having 12 men in the last 10 minutes of the first half it took it out of us and we just had a lapse of concentration in the first 15 minutes."

One highlight for Hill was scoring his sixth try of the season which keeps him as the Wasps joint top scorer, along with Spencer Hargrave who also touched down yesterday.

It is a strange position for Hill to be in as he revealed: "I'm not normally up there as a top try-scorer. I'm enjoying playing at the moment, especially my running game. That wasn't my strongest point before, it was my defence, but it's come on this season."

York coach Garry Atkins was disappointed with the result but was happy his side had restored some lost pride.

He said: "The first half was excellent and the second half was pretty poor.

"But they've got a bit of self respect back today."