YORK have a date with destiny tomorrow, but they can expect no favours from local rivals Selby.

The Clifton Parkers have already secured at least a place in the play-offs, but an unexpected run of results has thrown the Yorkshire One title back open, with Bridlington losing their form at just the wrong moment.

Andy Gair's charges have now moved level on points with Brid - twice victors over York this season - leaving tomorrow's final fixtures as title deciders.

York will be at home to bogey side Selby, while Brid welcome North Ribblesdale to Dukes Park - and neither of the league's top two clubs can expect an easy ride having both lost their return fixtures earlier this season.

However, despite the title chance, director of rugby Gair believes Brid will not slip up so he is focusing his attention on going out and relaxing tomorrow before looking to the play-offs.

"It is a big game in the respects that it is a local derby, it is Selby and local pride is at stake," said Gair. "Regardless of our league position this would be a huge game.

"However, win, loss or draw we are guaranteed the play-off spot, so we can go out tomorrow, relax and enjoy the game.

"Yes, there is an outside chance of the title, but we need North Ribblesdale to beat Bridlington at Bridlington and that is unlikely.

"There is always that possibility that they could win, but we can't do anything to influence that result, so we won't even consider it. We can only focus on Selby."

Gair has every reason to pay Selby the utmost respect, he saw his side under-perform and subsequently lose 13-8 at Sandhill Lane earlier in the season.

"When we played Selby, it was horrendous weather and we didn't play well," added Gair. "We made poor tactical decisions and we lost our way. Selby deserved to win, I've no complaints about that."

York will delay naming their squad until the last possible minute, however, there is little doubt that player-coach Peter Curtis will come straight back into the starting line-up after missing the last two league games. Centre/fly-half Nick Kay is definitely out after suffering a knee injury.

Selby will be in no mood to roll over for their local rivals, especially as they have won the past three league encounters against the men of York.

Although Selby have little to play for, they are guaranteed fifth spot whatever the result, the squad need no motivation when it comes to their rivals from down the road.

Team manager Richard Besley said: "York is always a fixture we look forward to.

"It has been a long, hard season and our defeat by Brid really put an end to what we thought we were capable of. We would have liked to have been pushing for second but it just hasn't to be.

"However, while there seems like there is nothing to play for, there always is against York as they are our nearest - and dearest - rivals. There is no doubt the players will be up for it."

Injuries and work commitments have left the Sandhill Laners a little light-handed, but a strong, competitive side is expected to take to the field. As a result, coach Richard Selkirk is likely to follow York's lead and delay the naming of his squad until tomorrow.

York RI coach Chris Leathley wants his charges to finish their Yorkshire Three campaign on a high, with back-to-back victories in their final two matches.

RI face Moortown tomorrow and then Bradford Salem a week later, both at home, knowing that a maximum points haul would see them end the season in fifth.

That would complete a remarkable turn around for the New Lane club, who at one stage looked destined for a second successive relegation.

Harrogate have Yorkshire pride to play for in their penultimate National Two game of the season when they travel to Doncaster.

Ralph Zoing's men are aiming for a club record third-placed finish and will welcome back winger Paul Clayton, full-back Ed Smithies and flanker Mike Worden to the fray for what is sure to be a no-holds barred encounter.

Updated: 10:21 Friday, April 11, 2003