York Wasps will finally be able to put behind them the worst season in their history tomorrow - but first they must ensure it doesn't plummet even lower.

The Wasps couldn't have asked for a tougher end of season match than a trip to runaway Northern Ford Premiership leaders Leigh Centurions.

Leigh, who clinched the league winners title several weeks ago, have scored 1,055 points and conceded just 320 on their way to winning 25 games out of 27. Rock bottom York have scored just 192 points and conceded 1,415 in 25 defeats.

But with many players possibly making their last appearance in a York shirt, caretaker coach Martin Flynn hopes they can go out with a bang.

"You've got to look at all the positives after everything that's gone on and one of them is that we're going to put out a side and take them on," said an upbeat Flynn.

"Their (Leigh's) minds might be somewhere else. They've got nothing to play for and are going to be in a celebratory mood so it would be nice if we could rain on their parade.

"We want to get some pride back like we did last week when I thought we were superb."

The Wasps will field a similar side to the one which performed with such commitment in the 66-11 defeat by Widnes last week.

That means a second run-out for scrum-half Glen Matsell, who has joined York from Hull amateur side Embassy. He certainly won't be afraid of giving as good as he gets - he is an England international boxer.

The only slight doubt is prop Andy Hutchinson who has a knee problem but is expected to come through.

Mick Ramsden is still carrying a foot injury which forced him to retire early last week but will play, while Darren Crake returns after injury.

Leigh will be looking to turn the match into a party to celebrate winning the Minor Premiership before embarking on the play-offs next week.

Having inflicted a club record 84-12 home defeat on York back in March, the Centurions will fancy their chances of eclipsing that victory in their second meeting.

Their dangerman is full-back Neil Turley whose five tries against Featherstone last week took his tally for the season to 51, surpassing the club record of 49 set by Australian Steve Halliwell in 1985-86. Turley's total included four in the game against York.

Leigh coach Paul Terzis leaves out centre Paul Anderson, second rower Simon Baldwin, scrum-half Liam Bretherton and prop David Bradbury as they gear up for the start of the play-offs.

In come prop Dave Whittle, centre or second rower Phil Kendrick and Samoan international half-back Willie Swann.

The captaincy has been handed to veteran prop forward Tim Street in what is to be his final season with the club.

"Tim has been a great servant to Leigh and we feel he deserves the right to lead the team out in what is our final League game of the season," said Terzis.

Sunday's squads:

Leigh (possible): Neil Turley, Alan Hadcroft, Phil Kendrick, Andy Fairclough, Michael Watts, Simon Svabic, Willie Swann, Andy Leatham, John Hamilton, Tim Street, Craig Wingfield, Chris Morley, Adam Bristow, Dave Ingram, John Duffy, Dave Whittle, Jason Johnson, Paul Norman.

York (from): Mike Hall, Simon Wray, Callum Irving, Gavin Molloy, Matt Mulholland, Gareth Oulton, Glen Matsell, Andy Hutchinson, Alan pallister, Andy Precious, Darren Crake, Nathan Pincher, Mick Ramsden, Carl Bristow, Mark Dooley, Andy Innes, Carl Sayer, Mick Hagan, Steve Robinson.

Referee: Ben Thaler (Normanton)

Updated: 11:31 Saturday, June 30, 2001