FORMER West Hartlepool flanker Matthew Emerson has joined the coaching set-up at York.

The 29-year-old could also be included in the squad to travel to Yarnbury tomorrow.

Emerson, a former Newcastle University student, lives at Stokesley and had been a paid player with Wests in National League Division Two and had a stint with Hull Ionians.

He has a degree in international food marketing but is determined to make the grade in rugby union as a coach.

York coach Andy Gair said: "He approached the club about the possibility of coaching and he has done a few sessions with us. I think he sees us as a

stepping stone and we were happy to help."

Gair was hoping that Emerson would also sign as a player but stressed that no pressure would be put on him to turn out for the Clifton Park outfit.

York head to Yarnbury, coached by Yorkshire's Bob Hood, knowing that victory could lift them to fourth place in Yorkshire One.

Gair's side has hit a hot streak and will be seeking their fourth win on the bounce against a side they have already beaten in the RFU Intermediate Cup this season.

"It will be a very tough game. Yarnbury are second top after winning at Scarborough last week," said Gair, who is working on a strategy to nullify Yarnbury's strength at the line out.

Selby will look to take a leaf out of York's book when they travel to Pontefract.

York overturned Ponte' when they were flying high, and Selby can add to their woes with a much-needed victory tomorrow.

Selby are currently flirting dangerously close to the drop zone in Yorkshire One and know they need to their season around if they are to avoid relegation.

Pocklington travel to Sheffield Tigers' exposed Dore Moor ground, 1,000ft above sea level, in search of points to get away from the foot of Yorkshire One.

Rob Jackson will continue at scrum-half in place of groin injury victim Andy Kirby, while Rich Williman returns at centre after being unavailable for the past fortnight.

Back at Pocklington, the action starts at 11.30am when Cambridge University women get underway against Leeds Metropolitan University, followed by the Panthers against Sheffield Tigers at 2.15pm.

The injury worries at York RI are beginning to subside as they prepare to travel to Ilkley in Yorkshire Two.

Nick Humphreys, Paul Reed and Ashley Casey are all back in contention for the first team, while Matthew Madagen and John-Paul Wong are set for comebacks in the seconds.

But despite being back to near-full strength, RI are still wary about tomorrow's clash.

"We don't know too much about them," said spokesman Nigel Lowery. "They are fairly well up in the league, so they will be a pretty competent side, but we haven't seen anything in the league that worries us."

Malton and Norton have their toughest Yorkshire Three test so far against fellow leaders Leeds Corinthians.

Both sides are level on points but Corinthians have the advantage on points for and against difference.

Malton have Richard John unavailable which means that Neil Gilbertson will join the squad on the subs' bench alongside veterans Steve Riddolls and Pat Stephenson.

Previous encounters between the two sides have always been closely fought with only a point or two separating them. Last season's corresponding fixture ended in a 3-3 draw.

It is a case of as you were for Harrogate as they stick to the same 15 who beat Esher for their home tie against Newbury.

Harrogate won the clash with a compelling four try to nil scoreline, while the only criticism of their play came in the penalty count.

The same-again selection means there is still no place for former England Under 21 prop Dean Hardcastle, who impressed with the Georgians on Saturday.

The most he can hope for is a spot on the bench where he is vying with Rob Wilson to sit alongside Tom Anderson, Peter Taylor and Graeme Sarjeant.

Updated: 12:50 Friday, November 30, 2001