YORK RUFC have an awkward match-up at Ponteland to overcome tomorrow to keep their promotion quest on course.

The Clifton Parkers travel to Newcastle knowing that victory will give them at least a two point cushion in second place in Durham and Northumberland before the visit of third-placed Northern in a week's time.

Mid-table Ponteland have won eight of their 15 league ties this season and York will have to ensure the complacency which crept in against West Hartlepool TDSOB does not return.

Having said that, a comfortable win over Ashington last time out makes York the division's form team and they'll be taking no chances when they travel north.

York are without captain Andy Kay, with Jeremy Clutton taking his place at flanker. Otherwise, it's a fairly settled side that travels to Ponteland.

York will look to centre Nick Ventress and fly-half Mike Ford to impose themselves on the opposition, while Sam Arkle switches from wing to partner Ventress in the centre of the park. Replacement lock Darren Rutherford is on the bench.

Selby's dreams of Twickenham ended when a Waisale Serevi-inspired performance landed the North Yorkshire club on the wrong end of a 31-3 scoreline.

Now they are forced into two changes ahead of a Yorkshire One clash at Wheatley Hills.

Although full back Chris McDonald is available this week, he starts on the bench as Selby field an unchanged back line - Rich Topping retaining the number 15 shirt.

The changes come in the forwards with both Ben Marshall and Wright Phillips unavailable.

Rob Triffit takes Marshall's place in the second row after impressing in the 2nd XV.

Paul Randell, who came on as replacement last week at Staines takes over at flanker in place of Phillips with Jamie Pocklington continuing at number eight.

Mark Tomlinson and Richard Nicholson continue on the bench with McDonald.

Malton and Norton take a trip to Horden as they look to pick themselves up from a hugely disappointing defeat at Stockton last time out.

Malton welcome back Carl Muscroft, missing because of illness last week, and Phil Ryan, returning from suspension.

It's another must-win game for third-placed full strength Pocklington who travel to Castleford in Yorkshire Two.

Both sides were promoted last season and their rivalry continued in a tense 20-19 victory for Pocklington at Percy Road in October.

Castleford's fortunes have declined because a handful of dual code players have returned to play professional rugby league - but former York and Hull KR player Damien Ball has remained on the books.

York RI, who have been crippled by injuries in recent weeks, will be up against it again when they travel to Sheffield-based Stocksbridge in Yorkshire Three.

Nick Humphries is expected to return but training will be a nervous time for club coaches to see if a hospital ward-like injury list can be relieved.

Club spokesman Nigel Lowery said: "We haven't played that badly recently and there's nothing we can do about the injuries.

"We have been playing a lot of youngsters lately and now they are beginning to turn into good players. It's going to be difficult but we are fairly confident."

Updated: 11:46 Friday, February 18, 2005