RE-SHUFFLED York will be keen not to become embroiled in a centre of distraction on Saturday.

Injuries have taken a chunk out of their wings to ensure that they will welcome leaders Morpeth to Clifton Park for the North Two East duel with their entire back-line effectively occupied by centres. Both normal first-choice wingers Rob Kama (damaged shoulder) and Nick Taylor (work commitments) are out of contention forcing Sam Arkle, usually an outside centre, and Rob Taylor (inside centre) moving to the wide positions.

Said coach Andy Gair: "We may have to be concentrating on power rather than pace."

However, in a welcome boost for the hosts Pete Curtis is back in the second row, lending his line-out expertise after missing the last two weeks.

And that know-how could be vital with Gair venturing that the outcome of tomorrow's tussle would hinge heavily on set-piece play.

"I'm certain it will all come down to a battle of the set-pieces and if we gain control I don't think Morpeth have the capacity to defend."

Meanwhile, a clash of the Yorkshire One power-houses takes place at The Gannock with leaders Malton & Norton entertaining second-placed Pontefract.

Malton's only slight blemish so far this season was the drawn game against Selby, while Pontefract's sole slip-up was in an away defeat to Old Crossleyans.

After last week's stirring win at Huddersfield YMCA spirits are high in the Malton camp and they go into the game with an unchanged side. Normal practise is for substitutes to be rotated each week, but for the home outing even these positions remain unchanged.

However, there remains keen competition for places in the starting line up and those in possession are well aware of the chasing pack.

A hard game is anticipated, and with both sides having played some good open rugby this season, it should be an intriguing fixture.

Whatever the result both sides will still occupy the top two positions, with Ponte currently one point behind Malton and Huddersfield YMCA a further two points behind Ponte.

Elsewhere in the same division, injury-hit Selby turn to derby action and the chance of some silverware to boot when they entertain Goole in tomorrow's Yorkshire One clash.

Besides being the major derby confrontation of the season, the game also has the Tommy Burton Trophy up for grabs.

And the hosts will be equally determined to collect maximum points as, while they lie in tenth place, they trail the five teams immediately above them by the slender margin of a single point.

Lock Wright Phillips, hooker Tom Bayston, centre John Webster and number 8 Rob Taylor are all out after being injured in last week's league match at Keighley.

Hamish Burns, however, returns

at full-back in place of David Batty, who drops down to the bench.

Tony Godfrey and Andy Gabel both return from injury on the wing and at centre respectively for the injured Webster and the unavailable Martin Protheroe.

Shane Sellers ousts Bayston at hooker with Jason Cicero back in the second row from injury.

Down in Yorkshire Three, York Railway Institute will be hoping a Morse S-O-S will help come to their rescue.

The injury-ravaged RI ranks play host to a Roundhegians side who are still unbeaten hence the appeal to first-choice prop Andrew Morse to see if he can bounce back from injury.

Morse has been stricken by a troublesome hand injury, but if there is no fracture, then he may be able to return to senior duty provided the injury is well strapped.

"We have had so many injuries to that division that it would make a major difference to the front five if we could get Andrew back," said club spokesman Nigel Lowery. "You need your first-choice players in such a key position."

RI took heart from last week's reverse at Castleford, pointing to how 12 of their conquerors' 31 points were notched in the final nine minutes.

Added Lowery; "Roundhegians may be unbeaten, but we always fancy ourselves at home, so we have every reason to feel we can get a good result."

Also in Yorkshire Three, Pocklington travel to mid-table Moortown confident of strengthening their push for the top.

They were in unstoppable form in their last outing when they not only put 35 points past Stocksbridge, but also prevented their opponents from making any dent on the score.

For the first time in almost a month Harrogate will hold sway on home territory when they play host to Lydney in National Division Two.

The Claro Roaders have been on the road since October 11 when they played Doncaster. Now buoyed by two away-day triumphs at Nuneaton and Bracknell, the 'Gate are looking to their lowly opponents to stretch their winning run.

Said spokesman Graham Siswick: "They are struggling, we are third. So it would be a major upset if we lost.

"We are looking to push on an go on a roll, because there is a lot of competition at the top end of the table."

There's just one change to last week's starting line-up. Former Durham University captain Rob Vickers steps up to the senior ranks after several impressive displays for the 2nd XV.

Current skipper Rhys Morgan is back after a month's absence with injury, but stays on the bench allowing Richard Wade to continue to lead the side.

Updated: 12:08 Friday, November 07, 2003