ALTHOUGH the RSB Six Nations Championships means the area's clubs can enjoy a break from league action this weekend, the minds of York and Malton and Norton will remain focused on what the final few weeks will hold.

Both clubs are on course for promotion barring any slip-ups in their last two fixtures.

For Malton, their superb victory over leaders Keighley means they currently hold second spot in Yorkshire Two - with wins needed over Beverley and Pocklington to keep them on track for a place in Yorkshire One next season.

However, with West Park Bramhope level on points and West Leeds two points back but with a game in hand, the race looks like going right to the wire.

West Leeds still have the leaders Keighley to play, while they face Pocklington - Malton's opponents next Saturday - in their final game.

Beverley could also have a say in who goes up, with the East Yorkshire club playing both Malton and West Park.

For York, matters are slightly more complicated. The knock-on effect from the filtering of regional leagues means York would need to go through the play-off system to go up to North Two East.

The Clifton Parkers are just one win away from securing second spot behind champions-elect Bridlington with Hartlepool Rovers their likely opponents.

Rovers currently sit second in Durham and Northumberland One, the other league which filters into North Two East, with 13 wins, three draws and four losses.

Updated: 10:30 Saturday, March 22, 2003