The return to winter rugby looks set be given the thumbs up by York Wasps supporters - but not by sponsors.

With the start of the Northern Ford Premiership just four days away, the Wasps have reported an upturn in season ticket sales compared with this stage last term.

Unfortunately local companies are not following suit, mainly due to the timing of the start of the competition.

The sale of passes, plus the expected large contingent of travelling fans, should ensure a bumper crowd for the Boxing Day opener against Doncaster Dragons at Huntington Stadium.

Chief executive Ann Garvey confirmed the increase in sales and said: "I'm delighted with the season tickets. We had a big sale on them on Monday."

It suggests support for the Wasps is continuing to gather momentum, a trend which began a couple of years ago. Although the crowds haven't picked up as much as hoped in recent years, slight increases have taken the average attendance to just short of the 1,000 mark.

Since 1997 the average has risen steadily from 700 in 1997 and 800 in 1998 to almost 950 last season.

If the 1,000 milestone could be topped this time round it would be a huge boost both for the Wasps and for rugby league as the sport moves closer to a full return to its winter roots.

But attracting sponsors is a different story. York have so far been unable to find a main team sponsor with Hogg The Builder opting not to continue their involvement after seven years.

However, Hogg's have said they will stay on board until a new sponsor is found and will also help the club in their search for a replacement.

Garvey, who is currently in negotiations with two firms, said: "We appreciate everything Hogg The Builder have done over seven years. You can't expect a sponsor to go on for ever and ever.

"This is a very difficult time because most of the businesses I've spoken to are saying they'll look at it after the Christmas period. That's understandable and is through no fault of the board.

"I'm very disappointed with the sponsorship because the board have worked extremely hard in financing it themselves. Everybody's putting something in through one way or another."

But she admitted: "There is a lesson to be learned. We will start a lot earlier next time."

The sale of programme advertising space and match sponsors have also suffered because fixtures were not confirmed until a couple of weeks ago.

However, player sponsorship has been going particularly well although there are still a small number unclaimed.

Garvey would like to hear from anybody interested in hiring executive boxes, which are now available on a match by match basis, match and matchball sponsorship, player sponsorship and a main sponsor.

She can be contacted at the club on 01904 634636.

Supporters who have bought season tickets are also reminded they can pick them up from the Stadium offices this week (9am to 5pm), or on Boxing Day when the season kicks off. The office will be closed on Christmas Eve.

See Wasps' pen pictures in the new Wasps section

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.