POCKLINGTON will embark on their Yorkshire Three campaign on Saturday under the leadership of new captain, former Huddersfield back row Matt Atkinson.

He will have the nucleus of last year's side still together with the only notable departure being prop Mark Floyd, skipper two years ago, who now lives in Bridlington and has decided to switch to Dukes Park.

But his absence is amply compensated by the return of Matt Webber, who was a cornerstone of the Yorkshire side that won the Under-20 county championship at Twickenham in May. The Loughborough student is currently at home on work placement and is available for Pocklington until at least Christmas.

A further addition is three-quarter, Tim Nixon, who was a key member of two Pocklington Yorkshire Cup winning junior sides, and who is now raring to go again after having had a five-year break from the game.

Pocklington also have another half-a-dozen other young players now regularly available after completing their studies at school or university, and their youth policy has been given a further boost by the RFU's decision to allow people to play league rugby at 17 instead of 18 as previously.

The change means that 17-year-old Charlie Allen, who has already undertaken a week's training camp with the England Under-17 Development squad in August, is in line to start the season as first choice fullback for Pocklington.

Pocklington have named a 43-man squad for their 1st XV league game at Northallerton and the Panthers at home to Northallerton tomorrow.

A couple of players are facing fitness tests and final selection will be delayed.

Also in Yorkshire Three are York RI, who open their campaign at home to Bramley.

Their squad has enjoyed the build-up to the compaign under the watchful eye of former Morley coach Chrhis Leathley, who has been assisted by Ken Higgins, the former Headingley and Yorkshire wing forward.

Among the new recruits at New Lane is Staurt Wrigglesworth, who has joined from Roundhegians.

With several players still involved in cricket and their student contingent yet to return, RI don't expect to be up to full strength for a couple more weeks.

Malton and Norton's first game in Yorkshire One sees them travel to Old Brodlieans, who just failed to gain promotion from the league last season.

A tough game is in prospect but spirits are high and pre-season training has gone particularly well with the emphasis being on fitness throughout the squad.

The three-quarters are at full strength with young full back Rob Tate, who comes from a long line of Malton players, will be making his league debut.

However, Aussie Jason Simpson misses out because of the two foreign player rule, James McKay and Tony Reynolds filling those berths in the pack.

There are a couple of doubts in the pack with David Cooke recovering from a broken nose sustained in the friendly game against Hessle and Andy Mitchell has a back problem. A late decision will be made in both cases.

Veteran Tim Casey returns to the second row in what should be a sprightly pack of forwards.

Harrogate start their ninth consecutive season in National League Two with promotion in their sights after finishing fourth last season.

Captain Rhys Morgan leads the side for the fifth year and his men open with a trip to Sedgeley Park.

Updated: 11:50 Friday, September 05, 2003