SOMETHING has got to give in the North Two East showdown tomorrow between Wes-toe and Malton and Norton.

Both teams have the same points tally from promising starts to the campaign with Westoe just shading second spot in the division by virtue of points difference.

Malton and Norton's aim will be to wipe out that deficit and gain the upper hand on their South Shields-based hosts. However, they will have to attempt that mission again without the services of Chris Creber.

The influential fly-half was expected to be back this week, but a midweek run-out did not offer the progress he wanted from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for a month. Creber, who may have another fortnight to wait before returning to lead the side, will again be replaced by Rob Tate in what will be the club's stiffest challenge of the season thus far.

Fresh from their exhilarating 35-25 Intermediate Cup conquest of Caldy, Selby will show two changes for the Yorkshire One visit of Old Crossleyans to Sandhill Lane.

In the backs, Martin Protheroe retains his place on the wing after coming on as a substitute last week. Rich Topping reverts to the bench.

Matthew Mills, meanwhile, returns in the second row to partner Jason Cicero with Mark Rollinson benched. The other substitute will be Paul Gabel, whose hold on a senior place has been interrupted by work commitments.

The Sandhill Laners, who have been thrilled by picking out a plum home tie against Hereford as their reward for beating Caldy in the cup, will be bidding to cement their present third place in the league against visitors who are just two points behind.

Pocklington return to Yorkshire Two action when they travel to Scarborough on Saturday. They have virtually a full back division missing through injury and unavailability, but teenage three-quarter Sam Butcher returns, and they hope that Wales Students cap, Sam Rees, will also be back at scrum-half.

Tim Wilcock, a late call-up last week, keeps his place on the wing. Wilcock, elder brother of Pocklington flanker, Steve, began his career with Pocklington before moving to rugby league with York Acorn, but returned to Percy Road a month ago.

In the pack, hooker Dave Birch has damaged a hand at work, and Pocklington are sending an SOS to Andy Wilson who is back at Newcastle University after benching for Pocklington while on half-term last week.

The Panthers are at home to their Scarborough counterparts.

York RI entertain Northallerton in Yorkshire Three, while National Two action pits Harrogate at home to Blackheath.

Updated: 08:40 Friday, November 12, 2004