HOME clashes could be the key to York RUFC's survival in North 2 East but life will not get any easier against Aspatria at Clifton Park tomorrow.

After a dominating performance against Morpeth ended in defeat last time out, York now face a Cumbrian outfit who inflicted the first defeat of the season upon West Hartlepool.

That 16-5 win sees them in fourth place in the table, in contrast to York who lie second bottom two points adrift of Carlisle.

York will have to do without key player Stu Davies, who dislocated his shoulder against Morpeth, but former skipper Andy Kay - missing last week - comes back into the fray.

Back-rower Lee Denham is missing and Mickey Pellowe drops to the bench, while James Geldart is on the wing. But while there is change across the pitch, the half-back combination of Graeme Smith and Craig Ventress remains solid.

After having an enforced week off last Saturday when Knottingley's pitch was waterlogged, Pocklington hope to get back to action this weekend when they entertain West Park Leeds in Yorkshire Two.

The Leeds side have been traditionally one of Pocklington's keenest rivals in recent years, but have struggled this season and are currently bottom of the table, though they did open 2008 with a good away win at Ripon a fortnight ago.

After performing valiantly in defeat against Sandal, Selby will look to get back to winning ways when they entertain Heath at Sandhill Lane in Yorkshire One.

That loss, coupled with Ilkley's 71-10 hammering of Redcar, has left Selby two points adrift of the West Yorkshire side having played a game more than their rivals. It means picking up a win against a Heath side who have won just four of their 14 league matches is a must.

Another win will also be the aim for Malton and Norton. But having crushed Huddersfield YMCA 37-8 last week, the inconsistent Ryedale side must meet the league leaders.

Selby's terrific performance against Sandal will give Malton and Norton hope but, in order to defeat a team beaten only once in the league this year, they are going to have to put in their best performance of the season.

Revenge will be on the minds of York RI when they host Barnsley in Yorkshire Three. The Railwaymen crashed out of the EDF Junior Vase in a 34-5 defeat to Barnsley earlier this month, despite putting the South Yorkshire side under some serious pressure at times. A win would help erase memories of that defeat.