COACH Leo Epifania has already used 31 players in the six games this season, albeit more out of neccessity than choice.

However, that figure is still way off the ridiculous number used by Wasps in the troubled previous season.

Lee Crooks and, latterly Martin Flynn, were forced to pick no fewer than 70 players last term, meaning Epifania has a long way to go to get anywhere near that.

Three more players made their debuts for Wasps on Sunday in the testing circumstances away to Rochdale, namely winger Michael Forbes, scrum-half Scott Yeaman and forward Carl Stannard.

None of them let the side down despite the 54-0 reverse, with Forbes in particular catching the eye, albeit without any real opportunity to show his attacking prowess.

He covered well, showed glimpses of pace and had enough confidence before the game to ask to go up against Rochdale's record-breaking try-scorer, Marlon Billy. The Hornets' esteemed winger scored only one try in the rout - and a lucky one at that - and was taken out of the game with a copybook Forbes tackle, possibly the highlight of the match for the Wasps.

Forbes was, therefore, handed the Guildford Construction/ Evening Press man of the match award of three player of the year points.

Full-back Jamie Benn, who couldn't be blamed for any of Rochdale's scores, was handed two points, while prop Steve Hill pipped Yeaman for the final one thanks to his go-forward attempts, and thus got on to the player of the year leaderboard.

The Wasps' man of the match in each game receives three points, the second best player two points and the third best one point. Whoever tops the table at the end of the season will receive £350 courtesy of Guildford Construction, with the runner-up winning £150.

If there is a tie, the player with the most man of the match awards come out on top.

Player of the Year standings: Jon Liddell 6pts, Mick Docherty 6, Mark Cain 5, Carl Hall 4, Jamie Benn 4, Peter Edwards 3, Michael Forbes 3, Ben Sorbello 3, Andy Precious 1, Steve Hill 1.

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, January 26, 2002