Pocklington Rugby Union Club first team's Yorkshire division one derby clash at home to Hull tomorrow has added spice with the early return of former player-coach Gary Pearce, who became Hull's director of coaching just over a week ago.

Pearce had originally not intended to play against his former club, but has been encouraged to do so by several of the Pocklington players he has spoken to in the past few days.

Also in the Hull squad are forwards Jason Nicholson and Steve Hogarth who moved with Pearce from Percy Road to Hull.

Pocklington, boosted by last Saturday's two points at North Ribblesdale on a day when all five clubs below them in the table lost, have a doubt over hooker Tim Bradshaw, who has a twisted knee.

But front row forward James Ward returns after being unavailable last week, while ex-Cambridge University back rower Justin Gibbs rejoins the squad after being out for a month with a leg injury.

After the disappointment of losing by a single penalty goal in their last two games, York travel to Alnwick still in search of their first North East One league points.

Following a much-improved performance last week, when they lost to Bridlington with the last kick of the match, only two enforced changes have been made.

Sean Bass replaces Stuart Davies in the centre, to play alongside Alistair Hurst, who made a solid debut last week.

Davies, until now an ever-present in the side, has an injured shoulder.

The other change is a debut for Chris Reed at number eight.

He takes the place of Nick Smart, who had a powerful game last week in his first appearance following a tour of South Africa with the British Police Rugby League team.

Reed, who is in the RAF at Linton-on-Ouse, has impressed recently in the second team and gets a first-team chance due to Smart's unavailability through work commitments.

Yorkshire division three joint leaders Malton and Norton have an injury worry over their back row forward David Knaggs for the visit of Leeds Corinthians. Knaggs had minor surgery to a hand injury this week.

York RI have their sights set on catching up with Malton and Norton.

RI have a game in hand on their rivals and a superior match points differential.

On the trail of a league double, RI are at home tomorrow to Bramley Phoenix, who they beat 25-12 the last time the two clubs met last October.

RI welcome back former Harrogate scrum-half Tim Barley, who has not played since damaging a cruciate ligament in that game against Bramley.

Also returning to the RI squad is strong running Tongan Manu Fotu, who was unavailable for selection last weekend because he was working.

Selby travel to Yarnbury tomorrow for a Yorkshire division one match with Richard Topping on the left wing as Mike Parsonage has a broken ankle.

Ripon are without their skipper Jim Buckley at Cleckheaton tomorrow as the former Yorkshire Colt is still suffering from knee ligament trouble.

Ripon, bottom of Yorkshire division one, will be led by Fred Oakes against the leaders Cleckheaton, who have former England back John Bentley in their side.

Winger Ben Taylor and prop Peter Fletcher are attending weddings, so Chris Warters is named for Taylor and Craig Wollans comes into Ripon's squad.

Yorkshire division two leaders Scarborough are at home to Dinnington with Oliver Grimwood promoted to prop to give utility forward Tom Fish a chance to improve his fitness with a full game with The Vikings.

Goole swap their players about as they entertain Halifax in North Two East, although Brian Cooke is named in the squad again after working last week.

Nestl Rowntree save themselves tomorrow for Sunday's trip to Acklam Park to take on Middlesborough's third-string in the North Yorkshire Trophy.

Updated: 12:00 Friday, January 19, 2001