YORK are looking for an early Christmas present with a win over Stockton which would allow them to leap over their opponents and out of the North East Two relegation zone.

The Clifton Parkers will have a new face on the wing in Dave Moss-Brundle who joins from Harrogate where he is currently playing in the 2nd XV having seen first team action last year.

In last month's away fixture Stockton came back to draw the game in a match that was dominated by York for three-quarters of the game without being able to administer the killer punch. Since then Stockton have had mixed fortunes losing 31-8 to Hull and beating Horden 47-5.

York will again be without skipper Pete Curtis who is struggling with a viral infection. His place goes to Matt Halifax with Rob Sparrow coming on to the bench as cover for Brad Macdonald who will have a fitness test.

In the backs, Ben Quick is preferred to Craig Ventress with Sam Arkle regaining his place alongside Sean Bass at centre in the absence of Rob Taylor.

Moss-Brundle takes the place of Jonathan Kemp who, although he has impressed on the wing, is selected at centre in the second team, where he will have the opportunity to further his claim for a first team berth in his preferred position. He will play alongside Nathan Macbride who is returning from a long-term injury.

Selby entertain Huddersfield YMCA at Sandhill Lane for their last Yorkshire One fixture of the year.

With only six points separating third place from 11th, it is a massive game for Selby who currently occupy tenth place. Paul Scott reverts to full-back in place of Toby Pemberton who replaces the unfit John Webster at stand-off.

Former York player Mike Parsonage comes in on the wing for a rare first team appearance this season - otherwise the back division is the same as the one that featured in the defeat at Old Crossleyans.

In the forwards, the only change is the return of Paul Gabel at prop in place of Ian Copperwheat, who drops down to the second XV. Veteran prop Sam Longthorpe, now fit, takes his place on the bench alongside John Hick with Richard Topping also making a rare appearance in the 1st XV squad.

Having already beaten YMCA 19-17 at Huddersfield four weeks ago, Selby may feel confident, but after losing four games on the trot, YMCA came back strongly a fortnight ago beating Yarnbury by 48-26.

Old Crossleyans are the visitors to Malton and Norton keen for revenge.

In the fixture at Halifax earlier in the month Malton ran out 19-16 winners, saving the winning score until the dying seconds.

Following last week's victory in the Yorkshire Shield, when Malton gave valuable experience to some of their fringe players, a return to the side which has served them well in the league in recent weeks should not surprise anyone.

Jason Simpson returns to full-back and Will Barber and David Webster resume their flourishing centre partnership. Jon Newsome is back in the starting line up at scrum-half and Carl Muscroft returns to the front row. With second rows Phil Ryan, Tony Reynolds and Richard Webster all injured Tim Casey takes his place in the second row.

Updated: 10:50 Friday, December 19, 2003