Malton and Norton will be aiming for their fourth successive promotion as they begin life in North Two East this season.

Head coach Richard John believes his squad have the qualities to keep climbing the leagues' ladder.

"The aim is promotion," he declared ahead of his side's opening game against Sandal at the Gannock.

"We are not going to win every game, but there is no reason to think we can't be competitive alongside the best in the league.

"Our skipper Chris Creber won't let us settle for consolidation and neither will I. We've lost about ten games in three years , so that gives you confidence."

Malton will be operating with a squad of between 30 to 35 players but will be without David Webster (groin), James McKay (elbow) and Liam Vaughan (back) tomorrow.

Loose head prop Paul Dobson and centre Rob Chidley, both former Ampleforth College players, have been added to the squad.

The only player missing from last season is Will Barber, who has returned to New Zealand, but may come back after Christmas.

York RI are at Bramley Phoenix in Yorkshire Three.

Updated: 09:49 Friday, September 03, 2004