IT seems only like yesterday, such has the time flown by, but it is now two years since York City Knights were officially born.

If you remember, their bid to join the Rugby Football League following York Wasps' demise, was rubber-stamped by league chiefs on September 2, 2002.

The roller-coaster ride since then has been a fun one and chairman Roger Dixon was quick to annotate birthday greetings.

He said: "It's sometimes difficult to appreciate that it's only just two years since the Knights reached that first critical milestone of acceptance back into the league.

"Such a lot has happened in the last 24 months, and none of what has been achieved would have been possible without the wholehearted and unswerving dedication of fans, sponsors and well-wishers alike.

"So many people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to achieve the 'capital dream' and they have done so without seeking any sort of public acknowledgement of their efforts.

"I would want everyone concerned to take a bow. Each of you should be proud of what we've achieved so far."

THERE were comedy coach and copper capers last Saturday for the Knights fans who went on the Supporters' Club weekend trip to London.

Apparently, their coach, which travelled down the day before the game, got caught up in ten-mile tailbacks on the M11 near London and found itself stuck in non-moving traffic, with fans fearing a lengthy wait. They had nothing to worry about, though, thanks to the kind actions of an ultimately bemused motorcycle cop.

Apparently, the Knights bus was stuck in traffic next to a coach carrying Burnley football fans to their match at West Ham. And the policeman, wanting to make sure no-one missed the match, decided to give the Burnley coach a police escort through the traffic jam - and with it the Knights coach.

Ten miles later, with the York supporters lapping up their luck and feeling like royalty, the escort had increased to six police motorcycles, all moving traffic aside.

Then, with the traffic jam at an end, came the piece de resistance that had the fans in hysterics.

One of the policeman stopped his bike and waved the coach right towards Upton Park - and instead the coach forked left, leaving the copper to scratch his head in despair.

THE winner of the half-time raffle held at New River Stadium last week was none other than esteemed compere and comedian, and life-long York fan, Dave Kendal.

A delighted Dave immediately gave something back to the host club by using his winnings to purchase a Skolars shirt.

RUMOUR has it that uncompromising Knight Darren Callaghan got a little "emotional" during his brother Dean's wedding last week.

Callaghan - known by some as the 'Acomb pitbull' - was best man at the ceremony, forcing him to miss the win at Skolars, and my mole tells me he apparently became very moved when delivering his speech.

Callaghan duly admitted: "I got a bit emotional because he's my little brother. I had to hand the speech over to my co-best man so I could pull myself together."

TALKING of waterworks, a certain member of the Knights camp, who has recently become a dad, endured a little accident while speaking to yours truly on the phone this week. This leading Knight had the phone in one hand and his baby son in the other, when the little 'un proceeded to warm his lap. Heh heh. Good lad.

YORK St John College students Craig Farrell and Chris Langley recently had to sit through a lecture by a familiar face.

The Knights duo, who are studying sports studies and PE, were tutored by none other than Colin Sanctuary, who regularly puts them through their paces as the club's conditioner

Teachers' pets.

FORMER Knights loanee Ryan Benjafield is to return to his native Australia at the end of this season after announcing he is to leave Hull FC.

The 22-year-old prop, who was a hit during his five-match stay at Huntington Stadium early in the season, leaves half-way through his two-year deal at the KC Stadium.

Having signed from NRL outfit Penrith, he was unable to break into the first team and played fmainly or the Under-21s.

Updated: 10:38 Saturday, September 04, 2004