YORK'S strength of character will be tested to the full in the next four weeks as they battle to turn their backs on a run of five consecutive defeats.

Their recent results have been in sharp contrast to the start of the season when five successive wins took them to the top of North Two.

Tomorrow's Clifton Park visitors, Driffield, have been going great guns this season with former Harrogate skipper, Rich Marcroft, at the helm.

The Woldsmen beat York 25-12 last October and are champing at the bit to pull off the double against York.

York team manager Mick Negri has his fingers crossed that he can add Mark Neighbour and Lee Francis, who have been been suffering from knee problems, to York's squad of 20 players.

York are also sweating on the fitness of lineout specialist Dave Spanton, who has an ankle injury.

Lee Jones, the former Rosslyn Park member, retains his place in the York back row after making his debut in the heavy defeat at Halifax last week.

After their emphatic 48-12 victory over Liverpool St Helens last week, Harrogate will be on the trail of completing a Jewson's National League One double at Worcester tomorrow.

Up front, flanker Lee Woodhouse is unavailable but Harrogate have lined up Dean Holder as his replacement.

The former Linton-on-Ouse airman is now serving as a parachute instructor at RAF Brize Norton and is still under contract to Harrogate, who are to pick him up on the way to Worcester.

Stuart Dixon is named in Harrogate's squad tomorrow after working with the full England U21 squad at Bisham Abbey this week.

Pocklington and Selby keep up the pressure on North East Three leaders Redcar at home to Bramley Phoenix and at Yarnbury respectively tomorrow.

Pocklington's squad of 19 includes Peter Goldsmith at scrum half. Rob Jackson is in the backs and Newcastle University student Huw Rees is named in the forwards as Denzil Styche is unavailable.

Sam Longthorpe returns at prop for Selby at Yarnbury on recovering from an ankle injury and with flanker Ian Dale recovered from back trouble, Kevin Lowery takes a turn on the replacement's bench.

With Martin Bramley absent, Richard Tredwell switches wings with Bill Redfearne being named on the right flank.

The situation in North East division one is so tight that only six points separates the leaders, Percy Park, from the wooden spoon candidates, Goole.

Against Park tomorrow, Goole's Tim Pratt deputises for Hugh Davies, who has an ankle injury. With both locks, Anthony Walton and Andy Wraith, also out with ankle trouble, Jonty Wilcox and Phil Jackson are named in Goole's squad.

Walton's brother, Dave gives way to Hans Houghiemstra who returns to Goole's back row after injury.

Malton and Norton aim to exchange Yorkshire One places with their visitors, Moortown.

Andy Newsome takes the place of Charlie Nicholl who has gone to South Africa for a year. Tom Eddie returns at prop and Tim Casey is in the second row after being ruled out with a hand injury. Former Percy Park lock, Ieuan Downey, makes his debut as lock as Brian Lund is unavailable.

Dave Knaggs has shaken off his shoulder injury and takes the second row place of James Brown.

After their brilliant run to the quarter-finals of the Tetley Bitter Vase, Scarborough return to Yorkshire Two action with a visit to Barnsley tomorrow.

Wetherby hope to retain their Yorkshire three place above fifth-placed York RI when they take on Hornsea at Grange Park.

With both their centres Kevin Ellis and Nigel Adair unavailable, Charles Pailey makes his Wetherby debut in the three-quarter line, and free-scoring Simon Martin takes the place of Alex Fraser, who is unavailable.

Richard Jones has recovered in time from a rib injury to take over at wing forward from Colin Logan.

After their 13-13 dead heat against the Yorkshire three leaders Hemsworth last Saturday, York RI travel to Leeds Corinthians with Jon-Paul Wong back after a rib injury to skipper the side.

Manu Fotu switches to the back row and Johnnie Alexander to lock as Hugh Rodden is working and Stuart Lewis returns to the replacement' s bench.

Knaresborough entertain Marist in Yorkshire Four with Steve Simpson back at prop after recovering from a chest infection. Tony Kitchen moves down to the bench.

In Yorkshire Five, Nestle Rowntree travel to Withernsea with George Atkinson returning at scrum half after being unavailable last week. Dave Sowray switches to wing forward in place of Chris Lowther.

Ship Inn Marauders are down to entertain Airebronians Extra 'A' on the Knavesmire this week.

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