AFTER last week's disappointing draw at Stockton, York are looking to resume winning ways in North East Two when they entertain bottom-placed Northern at Clifton Park.

Two changes have been made in the backs - Sam Arkle moves from wing to centre in place of Chris Macdonald with his place on the wing being taken by Rob Taylor.

Ben Quick rotates with Craig Ventress at stand-off. Having two stand-offs of equal standing but with different strengths, the selectors have adopted a rotation system to allow each player an extended opportunity to stake their claim for the position.

The backs replacement will be Jonathan Kemp, who has impressed in the second team. He is a utility back who learnt his rugby at St Peter's School.

The starting line-up in the forwards is likely to remain unchanged with the one question for the coach being who starts at blind-side wing-forward, Andy Kay or Grant Williams. The only forward personnel change is Adie Martin replacing Andy Smith as front-row replacement.

After their unlikely, but well-earned victory at Huddersfield YMCA last week, Selby make six changes to their starting line-up against Yorkshire One leaders Pontefract at Sandhill Lane.

Andy Gabel switches from flanker to more familiar surroundings, replacing the injured Tony Godfrey on the wing. Dave Christison is available this week and takes his place as flanker. Kevin Lowery comes into the side at No 8 with Duncan Phillips taking over the other flanker position in place of Paul Randell, who drops to the second team.

Paul Gabel takes over at prop with Mark Tomlinson, the scorer of Selby's only try last week, dropping to the bench. John Hick is promoted to the second row with Ed Sweeting taking a rest on the bench. Toby Pemberton completes the trio of substitutes for the third week in a row.

This will be a hard-fought close encounter if past records are anything to go by with both Selby and Pontefract winning seven games each and drawing the other of the 15 league games played since the leagues began in 1987.

Overall Selby have a plus points difference of only four in that time. This will be the second derby of the season for Selby, having lost the first to Goole three weeks ago 17-10.

Title-chasing Malton and Norton will be hoping Selby can do them a favour with victory over Pontefract.

The men from the Gannock will be expected to beat Wheatley Hills tomorrow and take closer order at the top of an intriguing division.

Malt will be at full strength with David Webster coming in at centre for Ryan Lonsdale. Wheatley Hills were beaten by bottom club Scarborough at Scalby Road last week.

Third-placed Pocklington face a tough test tomorrow when they travel to the home of Yorkshire Three leaders Castleford.

Teenage wing Fergus Purtill is unavailable so Rob Jackson will move out from the centre to the wing allowing Rich Williman to return to the starting line-up at centre.

The forwards remain unchanged, though John Ainslie is back in the squad after overcoming a stomach muscle injury. Transport for players and supporters leaves at 11.30am.

Long-serving John Alexander plays his first game of the season for York RI as they entertain Hemsworth at New Lane.

His work as an accountant has prevented the second row, who has been with the club more than ten years, from turning out so far this season.

RI have also signed 22-year-old prop Ben Reaveley from Harrogate and he will make his debut against Hewsworth, who are below RI in the Yorkshire Three table.

Updated: 08:34 Friday, November 28, 2003