ALL-CONQUERING York Cricket Club set off in search of the Holy Grail on Sunday.

The Clifton Park outfit have swept all before them in the Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB County Premier League over the last four seasons and won the Yorkshire Black Sheep Champions Trophy.

However, one pot that has eluded captain Marcus Wood and his men during their otherwise golden era is the ECB National Club Championship.

Drawn away to Gateshead Fell in the opening round of this year’s competition, York were thwarted by the weather last weekend when heavy rain wiped out any chance of a game.

They will try again on Sunday, with Wood and fellow stalwart Nigel Durham stepping aside to allow some of the club’s talented youngsters the chance to shine.

Vice-captain Dan Woods is also absent due to duties with Cheshire, so opener Duncan Snell and all-rounder Nick Kay will lead the side.

Rising wicketkeeper Ben Earl will be behind the stumps, while Ryan McKendry comes in as a spin bowling option.

The batting line-up is strengthened by the addition of Stuart Lambert, who has been in the runs at the top of the order for the second team in the York & District Senior League premier division.

The switching of the ECB tie has put the club’s Yorkshire League Knockout Cup tie at home to Barnsley on the back-burner.

Tomorrow, unbeaten York host Appleby Frodingham in the league looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Wood said: “Appleby have already had a win and have been playing well, so we have every expectation it will be a tough match.

“Our bowling attack has done reasonably well with the opening bowlers, Jonny Moxon and Jake Murphy, setting the scene for the spinners, Tom Pringle and Dan Woods, who give nothing away.

“Batting-wise, we have had some 50s, 60s and 70s but we are now looking to get into the 100s.”

Batsman Oliver Hairs returns to the side tomorrow as Liam McKendry is unavailable.