YORK Wasps' supporters spoke of their devastation after seeing the team walk off the Huntington Stadium pitch for possibly the last time yesterday, writes Dianne Hillaby.

Although beaten 24-6 by Hull Kingston Rovers, the only concern among the fans was Wednesday's High Court hearing which could see the club wound-up over money owed to the Inland Revenue.

A large travelling contingent helped swell the crowd to a respectable 1,195, and it appeared that York fans had also turned up in increased numbers for what could prove to be a historic occasion.

But the atmosphere was downbeat and some claimed it felt like they were paying their last respects at a wake.

Louise Ince, a member of the Supporters Club committee who travels home and away to watch the Wasps, admitted she was close to tears as the team trooped off.

"I am absolutely gutted that this could be the last time I see my boys play. The throat was going and the tears were welling up.

"It's like waiting for somebody to die - that was the feeling on the terraces. God willing it won't happen," she said.

Alan Moffitt is another lifelong fan who used to watch York at their former Clarence Street home.

He said: "I'm very down-hearted, gutted. Hopefully this will not be the last match for York Rugby league.

"Hopefully I'm going to Featherstone next week away from home and hopefully I'm going to be coming here in two weeks to see York play Dewsbury."

Fellow dedicated supporter Mike Smith believes that, even if they evade the winding-up order, it will not be the end of their troubles.

And he voiced the concern felt my many fans that the involvement of former chairman John Stabler may result in a link-up with Gateshead.

"It's very sad but even if we come through Wednesday we've still got a problem. Are we going to play at Gateshead or York?

"It might be better off closing down and letting two or three newcomers come in. That's what others have done. Maybe that's the way forward."