VICTORY - and nothing less - will be the spur for York RI to wrap up their league campaign with a roar at Leos.

Customary end-of-season calculations may yet have to be delved into, but RI head for tomorrow's clash at Leos acutely aware that a maximum reward would be the ideal boost to prevent dropping right back out of Yorkshire League division two.

If RI were to prevail then they have to hope that West Leeds lose one of their last two games so as to enable the York side to finish fourth from bottom. That might then be just enough to claw their way out of the end-of-term play-offs.

First-team manager Nigel Lowrey remained confident. "I don't see why we can't go to Leos and win. They are just one point above us in the league, so if we were to beat them we could drag them into trouble.

"But we do need to win."

The escape to victory to bid has been boosted by the likely return of three key players.

Number 8 Manu Fotu is back in contention after being unavailable through work, while injured wing duo Jon Paul Wong and Matt Madigan both return after missing last week's demise to Skipton.

As York's first team are without a game tomorrow, the spotlight falls on the second XV, who can win their second team merit table with a victory in their final league match.

York lie second in the table, one "per cent" behind Selby in the points system and victory over Old Crosslieans will guarantee top spot as Selby have completed their fixtures.

Malton and Norton are also inactive after romping to promotion to Yorkshire Two in 100-plus points-scoring form last week.

Updated: 11:58 Friday, April 19, 2002