THE Powergen cup competitions have thrown up a host of mouth-watering derbies in the first round.

In the Intermediate Cup, York and Scarborough will renew hostilities at Clifton Park, Pocklington and York RI will clash at Percy Road and Selby play hosts to Northallerton.

Meanwhile in the Junior Vase, Malton and Norton, the 2000/1 champions, will visit North Yorkshire rivals Knaresborough.

In-form York will fancy their chances of repeating their 39-13 Intermediate Cup success over the Seasiders in 1996/7 when they meet tomorrow.

The Clifton Parkers have so far enjoyed an impressive start to the season, beating both North Ribblesdale and Sheffield Tigers on their travels.

And tomorrow will give their home fans their first chance to see the new-look outfit in action in their own backyard.

Experienced campaigner Gary Cassidy, who made his name in the number nine shirt for National Two outfit Otley, will make his full debut in the centres in place of Sean Bass, who drops to the bench.

There are also changes in the York back-row, with Ian Davies and Grant Williams coming in for Andy Kay, who is handed a replacements shirt, and Gareth Thomas.

Not counting annual friendlies, Pocklington and York RI will meet in their first competitive fixture since the mid-1990s when they line up at Percy Road.

Both clubs endured relegation last season, but while Pocklington have attempted to consolidate this time out, York RI have been hampered on the coaching front.

Ian Hassall stepped down from the role at the end of the season, citing family and work commitments and, despite an intensive search for a replacement, the Railwaymen have yet to appoint a new coach.

Target Peter Curtis opted to accept a position at York, while Paul 'Stan' Matthews - who looked set to take over the reins having watched the victory over Old Otliensians after resigning as Wetherby's coach just one league match into the season - has instead taken up a coaching post with Leeds Tykes Under-21s, while working with the Elite Player Development Centre.

However, RI will put their coaching woes behind them when they look to bridge a one-division gap against Pock.

"Although we haven't played them competitively for a while, we have always kept this fixture as a friendly," said team boss Nigel Lowery. "We like going there and are quite close to them."

RI welcome Nick Ward and Nic Humphreys back into the side.

With two defeats from their opening two games, Pocklington will look to the Cup to yield their first win of the season.

"We haven't been playing badly," explained rugby manager Phil Gilbank. "We've been nearly there, but not quite, so hopefully things will change soon."

Forward duo Steve Wilcock and Stewart Rowley have been added to the squad, while French imports Rudy Louriac, who only arrived in the country on Monday, and Thomes Jimenez are both set to play.

Former Ripon and Harrogate centre Neil Ambler misses out through work commitments.

Selby have just one injury doubt ahead of their trip to Brompton Lodge to face Northallerton.

Rob Taylor picked up a knock in the 16-14 defeat by Wheatley Hills, but the back-row star is expected to be given the all-clear to play.

The Sandhill Lane club could tinker with their replacements to give some of their second-team players a run-out from the bench.

Team boss Richard Besley said: "I suppose we will be classed as favourites as we are in a higher division, but with it being a cup game there is everything to play for."

Unbeaten Malton and Norton, who beat Northallerton in the league on Saturday, will be confident of success when they visit Hay- A-Park to take on Yorkshire Five club Knaresborough in the Vase.

Malton have enjoyed narrow victories over both Keighley and Northallerton in Yorkshire Two, but they will look to cut loose against a side three divisions below them.

Updated: 11:52 Friday, September 20, 2002