York travel to take on the latest Yorkshire ECB County Premier League leaders tomorrow where they could learn the secrets of Sheffield United's rags to riches playing success.

It is 13 years since United won the league and celebrated a hat-trick of successive titles.

And after dropping to an all-time low of 13th place last season they decided "enough is enough."

The change has not come through a big spending spree, but with virtually the same squad that finished up close to being the 1999 wooden spoon holders. United's rise from the ashes provides a model lesson that most clubs would do to well heed.

The answer to their shortage of self-esteem and being treated as a chopping block by most clubs was found to be in their own hands.

South Afican opening bowler and coach Piete Swanepoel, now in his fifth year at Bawtry Road, and former Scarborough left-hander Chris Watson, who is now club captain, are at the heart of United's new-found winning formula with a frame of mind that has affected the whole team.

Gone was the sloppy approach to the 1999 season when players turned up late for games and could not be bothered to turn up for nets despite their lowly league placing.

Swanepoel and Watson have transformed United into a winning force that has raised eyebrows throughout the Yorkshire League, especially at Harrogate, who are in second place to United.

A more professional approach to the game has made each member of the side a better fielder, keener to win, no longer prepared to be pushed about by sides that could beat them if they pulled their socks up.

Now that United are enjoying successful results, more players are now turning up on time and at practice nets each week.

Swanepoel, a right arm fast-medium pacer, has taken 23 wickets at an average of 16.9 compared with 15 at 53.33 last season.

Alexis Twigg, 22, from Tadcaster, is averaging 53 with the bat compared to producing only an occasional half century when he was at Clifton Park.

Former Yorkshire Academy all-rounder Jon Trower has taken 17 wickets at an average of 17 with his leg spinners (including 6-25 against Driffield) as well as averaging 41 with the bat and a new lease of life.

York field an unchanged side at Bawtry Road with Michael Mortimer retaining his place after Ed Senneck's unavailability last weekend.

At Driffield, Scarborough's left hander Andrew Gallagher deputises for Graham Wilson who has a broken a finger.

Mark Cowell returns to the Scarborough side conveniently taking the place of Rob Harrison, who has torn a muscle in his shoulder.

Harrogate have been licking their wounds after their acrimonious encounter at Wickersley in the National Club KO Area Final last Sunday in which the umpires failed to bring to heel players allegedly guilty of serious verbal abuse and obscene gestures rarely seen on a cricket ground.

Harrogate beat Wickersley (133) by three wickets but it is highly likely that one source or another will have brought the matter to the attention of Lords, although, as so often happens, cards are being kept close to chests of officials whose responsibility it is to protect the reputation of the game.

Harrogate have their hands full tomorrow when they get an opportunity to gain the upper hand over Doncaster Town.

It could prove to be a potential top of the table clash, although Town's skipper, Simon Widdup, will not be playing as he has been named in the Yorkshire team to play in the Roses clash.

Duncan Jones will captain Doncaster in the absence of Widdup.

A strong contingent of Harrogate players have been selected to play for the Yorkshire League's representative side against the Bradford League in front of their own supporters at St George's Road on Sunday.

John Proud, Peter Hepworth, John Inglis and Victor Craven have been selected for the 'home' side which is also expected to include Scarborough's Mark Cowell, Jon Trower (Sheffield United) and Castleford's wicket keeper, Mark Thewlis, with confirmations still awaited from several players.

The 50-over Yorkshire Inter-Leagues cup tie started at 1pm.

The draw for the quarter-finals of the Cropwise Cup sees holders Fenners drawn at home to Hull YPI, currently second in the premier division.

Division one side Hessle will be at home to premier club Driffield, while top flight leaders Wrigglesworth Fruit Trades will be at home to South Holderness.

The remaining tie is an all Division One affair with Bridlington at home to neighbours Brandesburton.

In the Cropwise Plate, holders Hemingborough travel to Airmyn. The full draws for both competitions are as follows:

Cropwise Cup: Bridlington v Brandesburton, Wrigglesworth Fruit Trades v South Holderness, Hessle v Driffield, Fenners v Hull YPI,

Cropwise Plate: Ideal Standard v Patrington, HICE v Welton, Airmyn v Hemingborough, East Park v East Holton.