THERE is no margin for error for either Harrogate, Selby and Malton and Norton as their rugby union seasons go on the line on Saturday.

With two games left Malton must secure two more points to ensure safety in North East 2, starting with tomorrow's game at fellow strugglers Morpeth who have shown improved form in recent weeks.

The chasing pack are catching up quickly and, at the end of the day, all could result on points difference to decide the three relegation places.

Malton have added St Peter's School, York, three-quarter Ben Hough to their squad which will look to leading points scorer Ian Cooke to guide them to safety in the absence of skipper Chris Creber, who continues to serve a suspension.

Last Saturday's 28-27 home defeat against Huddersfield YMCA has left Selby with a battle to preserve their Yorkshire One status.

They travel to Dinnington tomorrow and defeat would drop Selby into the second relegation spot with only one match to play. A win would condemn Dinnington to Yorkshire 2 rugby next season.

In the continued absence of Chris McDonald, Selby retain Dan Porter, who had a 100 per cent place-kicking record last week, at full-back. The second row is bolstered by the return of Ben Marshall to partner Jason Cicero with Wright Phillips reverting to flanker at the expense of Paul Randell who drops to the 2nd XV. Duncan Phillips starts in the other flanker position with Kevin Lowery retained at No 8. Joining Paul Gabel on the bench are Richard Nicholson and backs replacement Andy Bennett, who is in the squad for the first time since February 19.

If Selby lose, they will have to win their last game at home to Yarnbury and hope that other results go their way.

Harrogate really are drinking in the last chance saloon in National 2. They need to win all their remaining games which with trips to Launceston and Waterloo plus Manchester at home -- all in the top six -- is likely to be a step too far. The run-in begins with tomorrow long haul to Cornwall to face Launceston.

York, who must rely on others to drop points to get back in the Durham and Northumberlamd One title race, entertain Acklam.

Pocklington travel to Leeds to meet Leodiensians with a settled side for their penultimate Yorkshire Two encounter.

Leos have been in enigmatic form. Since Christmas they have lost all three of their home league games, but won four and drawn one of their away matches.

York RI take on Baildon in Yorkshire Three at New Lane

Updated: 08:37 Friday, April 08, 2005