YORK RI RUFC will be desperate for victory at lowly Hemsworth tomorrow to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle.

The New Lane side have spluttered in recent weeks but have a heaven-sent opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and strugglers Hewsworth and Bramley Phoenix, who have both yet to record a Yorkshire Three win this season.

"It is an important game -- a real four-pointer for us because it is two up and two down this season. We really need to win this one," said RI spokesman Nigel Lowery.

RI are boosted by the return of stand-off and goalkicker Matthew Yates and influential forward Nathan Ashman.

Victory will give RI a six-point cushion over a Hemsworth side who are leaking an average of over 50 points a game.

While RI are labouring near the bottom, across the city at Clifton Park, York are really flying.

However, the unbeaten Durham and Northumberland One leaders face a stern test at Consett tomorrow.

York have won all six of their league games but Consett, who boast a mean defence, have won five and lost just one of their programme so it promises to be a fierce challenge for Paul Matthews' side.

Malton and Norton look to maintain their joint second position in North Two (East) when they entertain a struggling Stockton side.

Injuries to key members in recent weeks have tested the strength of Malt's playing squad but the replacements have not been found lacking.

Although skipper Chris Creber will return at fly-half and Liam Vaughan resumes in the front row, full-back Jason Simpson will be absent with an ankle injury.

Ian Cooke moves to full-back with Liam Cowton earning a well deserved run on the wing after scoring four tries for the second string last week.

Promising prop forward Paul Dobson moves to the bench to accommodate Vaughan and also to recharge his batteries. Rob Tate, after an excellent performance at fly-half last week, will join him alongside the returning Phil Ryan.

Selby are forced in to four changes - two of them positional - for their ever league fixture at Ilkley.

Chris McDonald comes back into the side at full-back after being unavailable for last week's 26-8 win over Goole.

Rich Topping switches back to the wing. Andy Gabel is unavailable for the first time this season with Simon Hall, last week's stand-off moving to centre to form an untried partnership with prolific try scorer Shaun Austerfield. Toby Pemberton comes into the side at stand-off.

Paul Gabel is selected at prop with Ian Copperwheat benching otherwise the forwards are unchanged. Mark Rollinson (second row forward) and Martin Protheroe (winger) are the other replacements.

Despite Ilkley's current ninth position in Yorkshire One, this will be a difficult trip for Selby, with Ilkley more than holding their own in their first season at the higher level.

In Yorkshire Two, fourth placed Pocklington are at Bradford Salem, who are in second spot and a win for the Percy Roaders will see them join Salem on ten points.

Harrogate head to the Midlands to take on Moseley in National League Two keen to iron out the defensive mistakes that have blighted their performances in recent weeks.

Updated: 10:15 Friday, October 29, 2004