POCKLINGTON have been forced into Yorkshire One action this weekend despite originally arranging their clash with Sheffield Tigers for February 16.

The Percy Road side hold their annual Founders' Dinner at the clubhouse tonight, and with this in mind they had hoped to have the weekend free of competitive fixtures.

But, with the original clash between the two sides having fallen foul of the weather at start of this month, the Northern Division committee have ruled that the game must be played tomorrow.

Team manager Phil Gilbank told the Evening Press: "With our dinner being arranged for tonight, we contacted Sheffield Tigers a fortnight ago and agreed to play the game on February 16.

"However, the Northern Division have ordered all clubs to play, come what may.

"It is a shame as neither ourselves or Sheffield Tigers in the Shield, so we have a few Saturdays spare, but we have been told to play."

For the game, Pocklington will welcome Woldgate School teacher and former Cambridge University back row Justin Gibbs into the side for the first time this season.

Gibbs has spent his time concentrating on his other sport of climbing, but will add much-needed experience to the pack.

Hooker Matt Moore also returns, with Steve Wilcock dropping to the second row in the place of injured player-coach John Ainslie.

Following an impressive debut against Hull, 20-year-old winger Tim Bolton, who played in Scotland with Stirling County, remains in the squad.

Selby have also been called into league action, with local rivals Pontefract set to make the rescheduled trip to Sandhill Lane.

Having enjoyed a number of close affairs in the past, tomorrow is unlikely to be any different.

But Selby are enjoying a revival in fortunes and from being at the foot of the table, have climbed towards mid-table respectability.

Carl Paterson, who started on the bench on his return to the club from Hull Ionians, could come into the starting line-up, while Martin Prothero has been called into the squad.

The club, who are lurking just behind York in the table, do have doubts over Mick Parsonage (cut eye), while Matthew Smith is definitely out.

There are no such problems for York, who play a friendly against Leodiensians.

The Clifton Park side should have faced Yarnbury in a rearranged fixture, but the Horsforth-based side are in Yorkshire Shield action against Leeds Corinthians.

York are to field an experimental side for the clash against the Yorkshire Two side, with Matt Halifax, Chris Reed and Mike Westwood getting the chance to impress coach Andy Gair.

York RI can also enjoy the more relaxed feel of a friendly tie when they take in Old Otliensians.

The Railwaymen had been due to face old foes Skipton in the Yorkshire Shield, but that match has had to be rearranged due to their involvement in the last 32 of the RFU Powergen Junior Cup - ironically a place they achieved at the expense of York.

Malton and Norton will have to go a long way if they are to add the Yorkshire Shield to their trophy collection.

The Gannock side travel to Yorkshire One outfit North Ribblesdale looking to bridge a two-division gap.

And having already won the Yorkshire Silver Trophy and the Tetley's Bitter Vase in the past, Malton would love to have their name engraved on the Shield.

Following last week's excellent performance at Bradford Salem no team changes are envisaged should everyone report a clean bill of health.

Spirits are high at the club with pressure for places growing, adding more incentive for a good performance.

A coach will be leaving The Gannock at 10.30am with spectators welcome to travel with the team.

Confidence will be flowing through the Harrogate team when they head to Nottingham this weekend.

Despite eventually losing to Graham Dawe's professional all-stars of Plymouth on Saturday, 'Gate gave the National Two leaders a fright by pushing them to the wire.

And having showed glimpses of what they can do when they are in the mood, Ralph Zoing will want his squad to step up a gear against the side just behind them in the league.

Victory for Harrogate, who currently occupy fifth spot, could move them into the top four, and still within sight of the second promotion place.

Although any hopes of joining the likes of old foes Otley in National One may seem a long way off having lost six times in 14 games, a good run between now and the end of the season could well see them in with a shout.

With third-placed Orrell (twice), second-paced Sedgley Park and fourth-placed Fylde all still play, the battle is not yet over.

Skipper Rhys Morgan hopes to be back in the starting line-up tomorrow at the expense of Lundy Shackleton, while Rijan Slater, Chris Horner and Oliver Cook could form the back row due to the absentees of Howard Dawson, Mike Worden and Steve Hobson.

Updated: 12:31 Friday, January 18, 2002