YORK will be looking to sharpen up their act at Clifton Park tomorrow after two successive defeats on the road.

They tackle Redcar in North East Two with Kiwi hooker John Sharp back in the squad.

He proved popular with players and spectators alike last season before returning home where he has been playing for Mid-Canterbury in the second division of the Divisional Championship.

"He was a good player for us last year, so it is good to have him back," said coach Andy Gair. "He is very strong at set-pieces and gets right around the field and is good with the ball in his hand."

York will certainly need Sharp's skills after defeats at Middlesbrough and in the Powergen Cup at Driffield.

"It is a must-win game for us," said Gair, who has seen Redcar this season and is expecting a ferocious battle against a physical side.

Sharp's arrival sees Rob Allen step into the second team, while centre Sean Bass and Brad McDonald are both unavailable this week.

Sam Arkle comes in for Bass, while skipper Pete Curtis moves to the second row for McDonald with Ian Davies coming in at number eight.

Mike Ford returns at full-back after missing last week's trip to Acklam Park, enabling Nick Taylor to return to the wing.

Hopes that winger Rob Kama would be fit to return after his successful spell in rugby league with York City Knights have been dented.

After checking with the Clifton Park physio, it was decided not to risk his injured shoulder at Middlesbrough and he will not be playing against Redcar.

Selby go for experience this week at home to Scarborough in their quest to record their first win in Yorkshire One this season.

Sam Longthorpe makes his first start in the first team for nearly two years at prop in place of Paul Gabel, who is on the bench.

Jamie Pocklington is also one of the replacements, while once again Jason Cicero is selected in the second row but may require a last-minute fitness test before starting.

Hamish Burns returns to the side at full-back in place of David Batty, who benches this week.

Paul Scott, scorer of two tries against Old Brodleians last week, retains his place on the wing.

Tom Bayston is preferred as hooker in place of Shane Sellers, who can consider himself unlucky to be dropped to the second team.

Malton and Norton entertain Yarnbury at The Gannock in the first meeting for two or three seasons between the two sides.

Malton, currently unbeaten with two wins and a draw, are fourth in Yorkshire One while Yarnbury have made a spluttering start.

A calf muscle strain rules David Webster out of the Malton line-up giving Rob Tate the opportunity to step into the fullback role.

Centre Will Barber is unavailable and his place will be taken by the experienced Tim Chapman. The only other changes see Chris Robson and Neil Gilbertson stepping up to the replacements bench.

Pocklington travel to Bramley in Yorkshire Three with changes on both wings.

Club secretary Rob Jackson comes in for the unavailable Tim Nixon on the right, and on the opposite flank teenager Fergus Purtill makes his league debut as John Frank has returned to Reading University.

York RI travel to Stocksbridge anxious to bounce back from last Saturday's 34-8 home defeat at the hands of Thornesians.

Updated: 08:42 Friday, October 03, 2003