YORK RUFC will continue to tinker with a winning line-up when they take on Bridlington at Clifton Park tomorrow.
Fresh from a 60-7 annihilation of North Shields in the second round of the Intermediate Cup, York still make a series of changes for this Yorkshire One clash from the team that took apart their Tyneside opponents with some fine running rugby.
At least two are forced. Centre Nick Ventress has been unable to shake off a knee injury picked up against North Shields and is replaced by Sam Arkle, while Fijian winger Bill Cankatabula is unavailable. That is a blow to York's free-scoring back line-up but it gives a chance for club chiefs to run the rule over Dave Ellershaw, making his debut appearance in the first team.
Number eight James Rossington drops to the bench, replaced by the experienced Ian Davies.
With York trailing a surging Sheffield Tigers, who have yet to suffer defeat, in Yorkshire One, the Clifton Parkers know that taking maximum points from every home game is a must. But with Bridlington having only lost to the Tigers and fellow promotion-hunters Bradford Salem this season, they promise to be a tough test for York's restructured outfit.
York have been handed a tough away draw at North One outfit Altrincham Kersal in the third round of the Intermediate Cup.
Selby, meanwhile, travel to Ilkley in Yorkshire One shorn of several players.
In the backs, promising youngsters Rob Arnold (injured) and Sam Weller (unavailable) will be missing from the wings, while centre Andy Bennett (unavailable) is also out.
Rich Topping comes in on the wing, with Shaun Austerfield playing in what most supporters consider his best position at centre instead of full-back. Andy Banks keeps the number 15 shirt.
In the forwards, Jason Cicero is unavailable and is replaced by Mathew Mills in the second row partnering Rob Triffitt. Wright Phillips takes over at No 8 with Paul Randell and Duncan Phillips the flankers.
Selby will have to be at their best to take anything from Ilkley but they must do to stay in sight of the leaders, especially with a tough-looking home tie against Old Crossleyans next up.
Pocklington will be hoping to keep their 100 per cent record intact when they entertain promoted Barnsley at Percy Road.
Pock stand proudly at the top of Yorkshire Two having scored five wins in five games. There are few changes to the East Yorkshire side's line-up, but vice-captain and centre Sandy Mitchell and lock John Ainslie return after being unavailable.
Barnsley will be no push-overs having settled nicely into mid-table following their first few Yorkshire Two games.
But with Scarborough and West Park Bramhope also having taken maximum points so far this year, Pock, like York, will want to continue their excellent home form.
Malton and Norton will look to follow York's lead in thrashing North Shields when they travel north in Durham and Northumberland One.
Flanker Andy Mitchell has finally succumbed to a hamstring injury and will miss out, with David Cooke hopefully making a timely return. Up front, Paul Dobson will start in place of Adam Turnbull, who moves to the bench before leaving for a short break in New Zealand. After a fine debut, Jon Richards stays in the front row.
York RI entertain Castleford in Yorkshire Three, while struggling Harrogate and Halifax meet at Claro Road with both teams seeking their first win in National Two.
Updated: 10:44 Friday, October 21, 2005
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