COACH Sean Bass is challenging his York RUFC squad to carry their big game form through to the end of the campaign.
The Clifton Parkers travel to Hullensians tomorrow with Bass eager to maintain the intensity shown in back to back games against high-flying Doncaster Phoenix.
York knocked Phoenix out of the Yorkshire Shield a fortnight ago and then gave the unbeaten Yorkshire One leaders an almighty fright in the league last weekend.
Phoenix have won all ten of their league fixtures this term, but trailed 16-15 heading into the closing stages at York last Saturday before edging to a 23-16 success.
Bass was disappointed not to complete a quickfire double over the champions-elect, but believes his side can take great confidence from their performances.
"We gave them a right fright," he said. "We were so near, but they were a little bit too good for us.
"Afterwards we spoke about the challenge of playing like that every week. It was a big game atmosphere and we've got to replicate that in every game."
Second-placed Malton & Norton host Yarnbury tomorrow looking for a seventh success to keep up the pressure on Phoenix.
Spokesman Bill Laidler said the Gannock outfit were refusing to give up hope of catching their promotion rivals.
"All we can do is keep on winning and see what happens," he said. "We should have beaten them in the first game of the season.
"If we had taken our chances, we would have done, and a few sides have run them close.
"We are seven points behind so we've got to hope we can get four or five points every week. We have got a young side - our average age is 22 or 23 - and there is a lot more to come from them."
Malt will make one change from the line-up that beat Wath-on-Dearne 38-13 last weekend, with flanker Ali Coe returning after concussion and Tom Lowery dropping to the bench.
Laidler said: "It was outstanding last weekend - our best performance of the season.
"After that, it is difficult to leave anyone out, but Ali has played every other game. Him and Sam Triffitt have been outstanding."
Selby head to second from bottom North Ribblesdale in search of their first away win of the Yorkshire One campaign at the fifth attempt.
The Swans, who have yet to win back to back games this season, will be aiming to build on their attritional 6-3 victory over Middlesbrough last weekend.
Pocklington delayed finalising their side to travel to Percy Park in North One East until after their final training session.
They named an initial combined squad for the first team and for the Panthers, who are at home to Cleckheaton.
Number eight Matt Davies is definitely out with a hand problem, but wing Tim Nixon and back five forward Dan Wilson are back in contention after missing the past month.
Second-placed York RI are without a game in Yorkshire Four.
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