Clifton Park favourite Nick Hare is set to don the number one jersey once more as York face Huddersfield YMCA tomorrow, writes Tony Curtis.

The popular prop had retired at the end of last season but he has been talked into wiping the cobwebs off his boots to help ease York's front row shortage.

Director of rugby Andy Gair said: "This is only a temporary measure and likely to be just for half a game.

"It took a lot of persuading but Nick has agreed to temporarily fill the void left by injuries and absences. He has said he is happy to help out occasionally, but only if the need arises. By his own admission he is not fully fit so we will see what he can give us."

It is no coincidence that the addition of powerful set-piece specialist Hare - as opposed to a less experienced prop - comes with the visit of the forward-dominant YMCA side, with Gair admitting the biggest threat to York's unbeaten record comes from the visitors' pack.

"We're expecting a difficult game in the forwards," he said.

"As far as we know, their style is based around their pack. Their forwards will be well-drilled and will come with a clear way of playing."

However, there is an air of confidence over Clifton Park at the moment, and after three straight victories the club are in no mood to undo all their hard work.

Sam Arkle, who came off against Scarborough after he was caught in the lower back by a stray knee, is rested, with Sean Bass teaming up with Gary Cassidy in the centres.

Selby vice-skipper Jamie Pocklington is set to miss the visit of high-flying Bridlington in Yorkshire One.

The prop missed the Powergen Interme-diate Cup victory over Northallerton at the weekend with a knee injury, and will be sidelined again tomorrow.

However, No8 Rob Taylor returns after recovering from a knock picked up against Wheatley Hills.

Taylor's replacement last week, Wright Phillips, will move into the second row.

Relegated Bridlington have started the season as favourites for an instant return to North Two East and have picked up maximum points so far. "It will be hard," said Selby boss Richard Besley.

"They've had an excellent start and seem keen to get back into North Two East, but it is one of those games where home advantage may just swing it our way."

Unbeaten Malton and Norton return to Yorkshire Two action for the visit of West Leeds to The Gannock.

The club thumped Knaresborough in the Powergen Junior Vase on Saturday but a far tougher encounter can be expected against a side who, like Malton, have won both league games so far.

David Webster, having recovered from an ankle injury, will resume in the centre for Will Jones, who steps down to the bench. Richard Webster will replace Chris Robson (ankle) on the flank after two weeks of bench duty.

Making his home first team debut at hooker will be Steve Piercy, who will line up alongside his brother Tom and Carl Rushworth in the front row.

Pocklington will add ex-Harro-gate centre Neil Ambler to their squad for the trip to Leodiensians.

The Percy Roaders have yet to win in the league this season, but they got off the mark in the Powergen Intermediate Cup with a convincing victory over York RI.

Andy Richardson (hamstring) is still struggling so utility forward Steve Wilcock looks set to keep his place in the back row.

The match will also see former East Yorkshire centres Mark Taylor and Jon Eagle in direct opposition, with Eagle, who went on to play for Harlequins, now starring for Leos.

Coach-less York RI will welcome experienced ex-Harrogate fly-half Matthew Yates back to their squad for the visit to Bramley Phoenix.

Yates has missed the opening few weeks through cricket commitments but with that season now over he makes an immediate return to first team action.

Rod Simms is also available again, as the Railwaymen start to return to near-full strength. And although things are not as rosy on the coaching front, the New Lane club travel to The Warrels confident off adding to their Yorkshire Three points tally.

Team manager Nigel Lowery said: "We are getting some strength back to the side now. I'm not sure how Bramley have done so far this season, but for us it is a game we've got to get some points from.

"It would be nice if we could go straight back up this season, but our first priority is to finish in the top half of the table."

Harrogate will look to bounce back to winning ways at Bracknell.

However, Ralph Zoing's promotion-chasers, who fell to their first reverse of the term against Henley on Saturday, will not find the trip south an easy one, with Bracknell having followed Henley out of National One last season.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, September 27, 2002