YORK RUFC face another make-or-break week in Durham and Northumberland One when they take on promotion rivals Durham City on Saturday.

A victory for the Clifton Parkers could set the seal on second place and an end-of-season promotion play-off, but it promises to be one of their toughest match-ups of the campaign.

It couldn't be closer at the top with York second on points difference only from Northern with both having 28 points. Durham City lie in fourth on 26 points, but have a game in hand over York and a better points difference.

They are also one of the league's form sides - unbeaten in their last three games and not conceding a point in crushing victories over Acklam (44-0) and West Hartlepool (33-0).

York have had an extra week to prepare for the clash as a club match against Keighley at Clifton Park was called off last week.

And they travel to Durham in good heart after Northern were put to the sword 18-3 the last time they were in league action.

They have managed to raise their game against the top teams when required and will hope to do the double over Durham City following a narrow 17-16 win in September.

For York, much will depend on speedy winger Rob Kama, as usual, who seems more and more to be the focal point for this side's attack.

However, York will also look to produce the same forward performance which saw Northern on the back foot for much of their encounter.

Pitch conditions will decide whether Stu Davies or captain Andy Kay start at flanker, with both playing effective roles in their last match.

Nick Ventress and Sam Arkle should continue their centre partnership, meaning another start is likely for winger Mark McDaid.

Malton and Norton, who fell to Driffield 16-14 last weekend, have a trip to Teesside to contemplate when they meet West Hartlepool.

Having lost the last four matches, the East Yorkshire side face the team immediately below them in North 2 East and hope a win will help stabilise their mid-table position.

Updated: 09:55 Friday, March 11, 2005