FLYING winger Andy Innes' York Wasps debut will go down in the record books as a club record home defeat - but for the 19-year-old it was a dream come true, writes Dianne Hillaby.

Innes, signed on trial from New Earswick All Blacks during the week, achieved his life-long ambition when he was pitched straight into battle against the might of NFP leaders Leigh Centurions.

Although beaten 84-12, Innes - one of seven debutants in the York side last night - insists he will be back for more.

"I'm a York lad - I've always wanted to play for them," he revealed. "The money situation doesn't concern me. I'm happy getting paid whatever I'm paid.

"I've been with the All Blacks since I was nine so in some ways I owe it to them to stay with them but at the end of the day if I can further my career it's one step up on the ladder.

"I'm looking to stay with York as long as I can. I've got a lot of years ahead of me but I'm not looking any further than York at the moment."

It was the toughest possible baptism for speed merchant Innes, who made some encouraging breaks, but he believes things can only get better.

He said: "It was a very difficult game for me to come into but it went alright. I was called in late on Thursday night and was expecting to be on the bench or maybe even 18th man but I ended up starting.

"Considering I haven't played with any of them before it wasn't too bad. We've just spent this week getting to know each other because we've hardly played together before.

"I thought our attacking play was good. The defence could have been better but we don't know each others names. It could have been worse."

The only disappointing factor for coach Lee Crooks was the size of the defeat as he claimed six or seven of Leigh's 14 tries were a result of York's mistakes. However, with injuries and the departure of Jason Gatus and Rich Darling forcing wholesale changes, he had few complaints.

He said: "The players were very committed. If you take into account all the circumstances the score was predictable but I've got a bit to work with.

"There were reasonable performances from the lads that have just come to the club. We had several lads making their debuts, we had 11 training on Tuesday and 13 on Thursday so I'm pleased with the effort that went in.

"I just hope the lads at the club now will stick with us, hopefully I'll bring two or three more in next week and we can start re-building."

The Wasps' plight could take another turn for the worst this week with the possible exit of two of their more established players.

Crooks revealed that Gareth Lloyd and Shaun Austerfield were considering their futures at York. Both were absent from last night's team through work commitments and injury respectively.

Updated: 13:39 Friday, March 09, 2001