The threat of a winding up order against York Wasps has finally been lifted after the Inland Revenue withdrew their petition.

Proceedings were first brought against the club back in December over alleged unpaid taxes of around £82,000. A payment plan was agreed and yesterday at the High Court in London, following two previous adjournments, the case was brought to a close.

Wasps chief executive Jim Race said nobody from the club had attended as it was widely acknowledged that proceedings would be dismissed.

But he admitted it was a relief the matter was officially over. He said: "We didn't attend because we knew it would be withdrawn. As I said last year, we put a payment plan to the Inland revenue and they accepted it. But it is a great relief. It's always nice to have something like that out the way."

And he added it was part of on-going hard work by the board to get the club back on track financially. "The present board of directors are putting the finances of the club in order with a view to progressing," he said.

Race also revealed that last year's accounts had been audited and the Rugby Football League were satsified the Wasps were not in breach of salary cap regulations.

Despite repeated reports last year that the Wasps had breached the cap by as much as 40 per cent, Race always maintained that by the end of 1998 they would be under the required 50 per cent.

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