England expects

Rob Webber and Charlie Allen have worked their way up the representative ladder in recent months with a series of impressive performances for Yorkshire, the North and in the England trials.

Tomorrow Webber will make his debut at tight head prop for England Under 16s away to Italy in Cosenza, while next Tuesday Allen lines up at full-back for England Under 16s 'A' against Wales 'A' at Pontypridd.

Webber will also be in the Principality when the full England U16s side meet Wales at Llanelli next Wednesday, then the pair will meet up again on Saturday, April 13 when there is a home double header as England and England 'A' meet Wales back to back at the Halton Stadium in Widnes.

Pocklington School's Webber and Woldgate School's Allen have been team-mates at Pocklington RUFC since their mini rugby days. And their coach of the last nine years, Alan Greenwood, well remembers how early they showed their talent.

Greenwood said: "Rob and Charlie being capped by England is brilliant news, and so well deserved. It was obvious right from the start that they both had something special, but over the years they've both worked really hard on their games and they've always listened to advice.

"I remember one of Rob's early games was against a Leeds club as an Under 9 and he played scrum-half and scored seven tries. The opposition coach said afterwards: 'If that boy doesn't play for England one day, I'm a Dutchman!'

"But they've also been great team players who've always been quick to help their colleagues, and I've lost count of the time that Pocklington have been playing one of the top sides in Yorkshire and Charlie has lifted his team-mates as often through a try-saving cover tackle as a spectacular try.

"Everyone at the club is willing them to do well on their England debuts, and there's sure to be a big Pocklington contingent cheering them on when they play Wales at Widnes."

Pocklington will be checking on availability of players after today's John Smith's Pock Sevens ahead of tomorrow's friendly game at Hull Ionians.

Harrogate face one of their toughest games of the season at Claro Road when they entertain promotion-chasing Orrell in National League Division One.

Second-placed Orrell are still in with a shout of catching leaders Plymouth while Ralph Zoing's team will be doing their utmost to cement fourth place in the league.

Malton and Norton return to Yorkshire League One action with a rearranged home game against Leeds Corinthians at The Gannock.

Corinthians have been among the promotion hopefuls for much of the season but are currently two points behind Malton having played a game more. They are never a pushover and a hard-fought battle is envisaged.

Malton, still smarting from their Yorkshire Shield exit at Keighley, will be keen to put matters right and take the points. There are one or two minor injury worries which should all clear up in time and prop Tom Eddy is still unavailable.

It is also a big day for Malton 2nd XV who will travel to Wharfedale Rams in the quarter-final of the North Yorkshire Trophy.

Currently heading the Yorkshire Three Merit Table for 2nd XV's with a 100 per cent record the Malton side are full of confidence and will be taking a strong side, many of who are pressing for 1st XV places.

York RI also catch up with a league fixture when they entertain Ilkley at New Lane in Yorkshire Two.

They will be without second row John Alexander and there are also doubts about the availability of forwards Mike Wilkinson and Geoff Russell so it could be a tough afternoon for the RI pack.

Struggling RI will be striving for maximum points from their last three games which are at home against Keighley and away at Leos and Skipton.

If the Rugby Football Union decide that four clubs will be relegated at the end of the season then RI seem certain to drop down a division but if only three go down then they are still in with a fighting chance.

York were checking on the fixture pool to try to arrange a game, while Selby are on tour in Malta.

Updated: 11:17 Friday, March 29, 2002