YORK RUFC can be promoted to North 2 East if they can beat Sunderland in the league promotion play-off tomorrow.

The Clifton Parkers, who finished second in Yorkshire One, take on the Wearsiders, who ended up in second spot in Durham and Northumberland One.

It is York who must take the trip up North because Sunderland, who won 18 of their 21 league games this season, have the superior points difference.

York have been able to name arguably their strongest current XV for their biggest game of the season.

Skipper Jon Sharpe returns at hooker, while the devastating wing combination of Rob Kama and Billy Cakaunitabua will aim to cause havoc in the Sunderland defence.

Charged with getting them the ball in space is Nic Ventress, at fly-half, and scrum-half Chris Preen. York also name a very strong pack anchored by the impressive locks Brad MacDonald and James Rossington.

Much will depend however on flanker Stu Davies' ability to disrupt the play in the loose while, on the other side, Andy Kay will provide another option in the line out.

A strong bench includes Oli Councell, young Matty Hargreaves - who has played at both scrum-half and on the wing this season - along with Grant Williams and Darren Rutherford.

Sunderland, based at Ashbrooke Sports Club, were unlucky not to be champions - finishing tied with Gateshead at the top of the Durham and Northumberland One table - but with an inferior points difference.

The club are currently on a run of 12 straight victories and the free-scoring side notched up 631 points in the league, compared with 412 for York, who finished a point behind champions Pontefract in Yorkshire One.

Sunderland are likely to prove a real test for York who, having also qualified for the Yorkshire Shield final, are hoping this will be the first leg of a double.