Rugby Union by Peter Vine

Pride is the only thing at stake in York RUFC's last league match of the season.

They travel to Percy Park who are one place above York in the table and are also relegated to North East Division One for next season.

The players are intent on bouncing back after the humiliating defeat at Vale of Lune last week when injuries and unavailabilities resulted in York putting out an extremely weak team.

The return of Dave Spanton and Andy Wyatt to the second row should ensure an adequate share of possession from set pieces.

In the absence of injured vice-captain Mark Roberts, it is likely that Sean Bass will partner Simon Bullough in the centre. The full-back position will be between Paul Scott and Adi Lambo.

Harrogate end their Jewson's National League One season at Claro Road against visitors Nottingham on the trail of revenge for a 22-7 defeat before Christmas.

'Gate have been showing slow but sure progress after a dismal first half of the season that laid the foundations for almost certain demotion.

But since the beginning of February they have grabbed seven of the ten points available - which their retiring coach Simon Croft describes as "promotion winning form".

The turning point in Harrogate's fortunes came four weeks ago when lock forward, Peter Taylor struck the injury time penalty that dramatically snatched a 22-21 victory against arch rivals, Morley.

They will start against Nottingham with the same team that took on Camberley two week's ago except that Gareth Drane will be at the base of the scrum as Rhys Morgan is still out with an injury that is taking longer than expected to heal.

Former Malton and Norton scrum half John Newsome is league tied for Pocklington who travel to North Ribblesdale in North East Two tomorrow. Newsome's place at scrum half is taken by Chris Watkins.

In the only other Pocklington squad change Denzill Styche returns after being unavailable for two weeks.

If Pocklington complete the double over the Dalesmen tomorrow and Hull lose at Cleckheaton, Pocklington could end their season in fourth place.

North East Division Three leaders Selby field an unchanged side to travel to Hartlepool TDSOB on the trail of a home and away double against their second placed rivals.

Even if Selby failed in their mission, however, they can hardly lose out in the title chase because defeat would mean Hartlepool catching up on league points but losing out on match points differential which would clinch promotion into Division Two for Selby next season.

Malton and Norton hope to make it seven wins from the 27 games, including non-leaguers, played so far when they end their Yorkshire One League season at home to Bramley tomorrow.

Tim Chapman, however is unavailable because of hamstring trouble, his place at centre being taken by David Hume.

Unbeaten in all Yorkshire Two matches this season, Scarborough romp into Yorkshire One next season virtually taking the place vacated by Malton and Norton.

They travel to take on bottom club Stanley Rodillians who were thrashed 77-7 by Hemsworth in their previous league game.

Mike Snell returns to the Scarborough squad and Andy Holman takes the place of Rob Bell who is injured. Shaun Fearn also returns for this last league game after damaging his neck at Billericay in the Tetley's Bitter Vase semi-final.

Scarborough's place in Yorkshire Two next season will go to York RI providing RI win or at least draw with second placed Baildon, who must win tomorrow if they are to go up.

RI's coach, Andy Morse has been forced to leave Jason Westwood out of the squad of 18 as Westwood broke a rib against Ripon Hornblowers in the North Yorkshire Trophy last Sunday.

For their last Yorkshire Four league game, Nestl Rowntree have Marist as visitors. They are without Nick Ward at scrum half and Angus Smith at centre as both are attending Ward's brother's wedding.

Their places are taken by George Atkinson and Matt Forman, with Joff Sowray returning to the front row after working last week.

Graeme Lavender is named at prop as Graham Johnson is working.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.