MARK Cain has ended his five-year association with York Wasps by signing for Northern Ford Premiership rivals Dewsbury Rams.

York have finally agreed to let the 24-year-old stand-off move to Ram Stadium to end Dewsbury coach Neil Kelly's long hunt for the talented stand-off.

In an ironic twist, Cain is now likely to line-up against his former team-mates when the two sides clash at Huntington Stadium a fortnight tomorrow.

York chief executive Ann Garvey admitted it had been a difficult decision but believes it will benefit all parties.

Although no fee is involved, Dewsbury have agreed to take over Cain's current contract which runs until September.

Had York hung on until the end of the season Cain would have become a free agent. The Wasps would then have been forced to pay his remaining contract even if he moved.

Cain, who signed a two-year deal at the start of the 1999 season, was on the biggest contract at the club and Garvey admitted the saving they were making was "a lot of money."

"I had a long conversation with Mark and he was adamant he wanted to go. There are two reasons why we have let him go - to look after Mark's interests and make sure he gets paid, and in the financial state we are in it was financially the best deal to do for the club.

"It's a sad day to lose Mark, particularly at a time like this, but we can just wish him all the best,"said Garvey.

The transfer, which is initially a loan deal until the end of Cain's contract in September, was pushed through just in time for him to be eligible to make his Rams debut against Sheffield tomorrow.

Cain's place in the team to face Hull KR tomorrow (3pm) could be taken by Heworth's ex-Wasp Chris Hammerton, who has returned to the club.

Otherwise coach Garry Atkins is unlikely to make many changes from the team which beat Batley 33-10 on Monday.

The only doubts are Kiwi forward Michael Smith who has a chest infection and winger Max Ryce who has a knee problem.

Second rower Mick Ramsden will be available again after missing the Batley game with work commitments and Kevin Gray could return to face his former club after recovering from a rib injury.

Hull KR have been badly hit by injuries in recent weeks which has seen their play-off bid falter. They finally rediscovered some form when beating Workington 48-7 on Monday but their poor run has seen them clinging onto the eighth play-off place by their fingertips.

Hooker Mike Dixon is fit again after injury but faces stiff competition from his stand-in, Academy youngster Steve Cochrane, who had a stormer against Workington.

York Wasps (from): Cain, Ryce, Lambert, Irving, Lloyd, Woodcock, Atkins, Callaghan, Hayes, Pallister, S Hill, A Hill, Ramsden, Hargrave, Smith, Judge, Forsyth, Darley, Hagan, Hammerton, Gray.

Hull KR (from): Taylor, Wray, Blanchard, Taewa, Molloy, Nolan, Joe, Fletcher, Cochrane, Dixon, Wilson, Smith, Slater, Charles, Hardy, Hewitt, Wilkins, Bovill.

Referee: Steve Nicholson (Whitehaven) Kick-off: 3pm

The Arthur Rhodes Haulage Interworks RL competition final between Acorn Puss 'n Boots and Guildford Construction kicks off at New Earswick at 6pm tomorrow.

The plate final between Police Panthers and Carpenters Arms, also at New Earswick, will start at 4pm