POCKLINGTON travel to York RI for a crucial Yorkshire Three derby tomorrow.

With attendance at training and competition for first team shirts both high, Pock have decided to name 40 players and will make a late decision on the line-ups for the 1st XV at New Lane, and the second team game at Pocklington.

Rugby manager Tim Clappison, who had a brief sojourn away from Percy Road as RIs coach a decade ago, explained: "There is real competition for places in nearly every position at the moment, and commitment to training is becoming almost as big a factor as performances on a Saturday."

Adding to the pressure on selection is Adam Pears, previously a first choice back row, who has just returned from a year's travelling in Australia.

Pock and RI met at Percy Road just three weeks ago when Pocklington edged a 6-3 victory after dominating the first hour, but then having to hang on as RI staged a last quarter rally that almost snatched the spoils.

Next week, Pocklington will train on Tuesday, and have their annual Boxing Day encounter on Friday against Old Pocklingtonians, the Pocklington School old boys' side (kick off 12.30pm for two games).

OP's manager, Malcolm Milne, has pulled in some players with big club experience, but anyone back for Christmas and looking for a game can contact him on 01759 303456, or turn up at Percy Road with their kit.

Updated: 10:50 Friday, December 19, 2003