NORTH 2 East leaders Westoe visit Malton and Norton at the Gannock as the East Yorkshire side kick off the second half of their league campaign.

Led by former Newcastle Falcon Richard Arnold, the South Shields side have taken a healthy lead at the top of the table and a weakened Malton side were thrashed when they visited South Tyneside.

But many of those missing on that day are now recovered and Malton and Norton will be looking to hit Westoe hard at the three-quarter line, so No 8 James McKay is filling in one of the centre positions.

Skipper Chris Creber has fully recovered from a hamstring problem and returns at fly-half. Paul Dobson plays at prop in a bid to bulk up the pack. Carl Muscroft moves to hooker in place of the unfortunate Steve Piercy.

A good performance at Hartlepool last time out has seen Chris Robson keep his place in the second row. Phil Ryan will play at No 8 with Andy Mitchell and David Cooke both returning to the flanks.

Further up the league ladder, struggling HARROGATE entertain big-spending Yorkshire rivals Doncaster at Claro Road in desperate need of National League Two points.

Updated: 11:26 Friday, January 07, 2005