YORK head to new pastures when the travel to Billingham tomorrow.

The Clifton Parkers were relegated from North Two East last season and now find themselves in Durham/Northumberland One as a result of a change in the RFU's promotion and relegation rules.

Normally they would have dropped back down into the Yorkshire Leagues but York are one of only two teams in the whole of the country that have to play in a different county league under the RFU reshuffle.

York coach Paul Matthews is confident his men can triumph in the north east.

"It will be tough up front but if we can win enough set piece ball for our backs I'm sure we will do well," he said.

Those backs include York City Knights winger Rob Kama, who scored a hat-trick in the midweek victory over Selby.

The other wing berth is likely to go to Rob Taylor, but Matthews was not expected to name his side until later today.

Craig Ventress is likely to start at stand-off, with his brother, Nick, who will take up goal-kicking duties, at centre with either Sam Arkle or Sean Bass.

The forwards will be led by new skipper Andy Kay and should see Rob Sparrow given a run out in the second row alongside Brad MacDonald, where his extra height and commitment to ruck and maul will be a a key factor in the outcome of the game.

Selby start their Yorkshire One campaign with a difficult game at Huddersfield YMCA.

Chris McDonald, who played most of last season at stand-off takes the full-back berth, with Paul Scott, normally a winger, playing at stand-off.

Shaun Austerfield and Andy Gabel, who showed so much promise in the 47-12 friendly defeat at York last week, are again paired in the centre, with young Dan Porter starting on the wing. The other wing position is still up for grabs with either Tony Godfrey or Martin Protheroe likely to start depending on availability. Mathew Smith, ever-present last season, starts at scrum half.

In the forwards last season's first choice front row remains with skipper Andrew Pocklington and Paul Gabel propping and Shane Sellers at hooker. Jason Cicero in the second row will be joined by either Kevin Weston or Rob Triffit, depending on availability. Duncan Phillips and Paul Randell start as flankers with Kevin Lowery at No 8. John Kaye, Toby Pemberton and Mark Rollinson, who missed the whole of last season with a serious leg injury, are on the bench.

Despite last season's double over YMCA, this will be a difficult encounter for Selby, who may still be a little rusty only having played one pre-season game.

Updated: 09:51 Friday, September 03, 2004