YORK Wasps star Mark Cain has told of his utter shock and bewilderment after learning the club was being closed down, writes Peter Martini.

Cain, along with the rest of the squad, turned up for training at Huntington Stadium last night, where they were met by chairman John Stabler, who explained that the club was being folded there and then.

"Basically they told us something about the club not being able to trade because the books don't balance," said Cain, a York lad.

"They told us we were all free agents and said to go find other clubs.

"It was total shock. The lads were all speechless but what can you do?"

Cain added: "We were supposed to get paid on Friday but didn't, and the players decided that if the money didn't arrive by yesterday we would make a stance.

"But then when we rolled up for training it was all doom and gloom.

"John Stabler said it was the saddest day of his life and he was sorry to see the club no longer exist."

Cain, who rejoined the Wasps from Dewsbury Rams in the close-season, explained: "From what was said to me at the beginning of the season, they sold the club to me saying they had turned the corner and would never have trouble paying wages.

"I can't believe what's now happened.

"All the lads are really disappointed to say the least. It's total bewilderment."

Updated: 11:23 Wednesday, March 20, 2002