MARK Cain was quick to pay tribute to the former professionals who turned back the clock with style yesterday.

Sixteen former York players of the past decade, joined by a number of young local amateurs, took on York City Knights' first team at Huntington Stadium yesterday in Cain's testimonial.

The Knights won 38-32 but the old boys put on a fine show and Cain was delighted it made for an entertaining encounter.

He said: "Considering we met up an hour-and-a-half before kick-off, I thought the standard we played in fits and starts was nothing short of outstanding. Many of them hadn't touched a ball in a few years but we caused York a few problems.

"These players could easily have said they weren't able to play, but they all came forward and made it a great day.

"Lee Jackson, for example, is 38 in March and for him to stand up was brilliant. Just his name in the paper probably added a few hundred to the gate.

"I can't thank them enough and I hope they enjoyed it. Richie Hayes said he was thrilled to bits to have one more game. Lea Tichener said he was going for a Kajagoogoo' game - one massive hit - and I think he got it.

"Even Bomber (kitman Steve Harris) got his six minutes of glory at the end, and that conversion topped his career off."

Cain also thanked the current first team. He said: "York were in a no-win situation and I know from experience it's hard to get up for games like these, but they did well as well and it was a good game."

Cain, 30, who has been forced to retire with injury, also thanked all the fans who turned out in his honour.

"It was a fantastic turnout," he said. "There was no away team to swell the crowd but to have 900-plus York fans there for this kind of game was great. I'm delighted to bits with it.

"It was played in good spirit and all the Knights fans were cheering for us as much as the Knights."