Malton and Norton take a break from their nerve-jangling Yorkshire Two promotion run-in tomorrow when they mount their charge for the Yorkshire Shield.

Having already dispatched of York RI in the previous round, Pat Stephenson's free-scoring troops head to fellow Yorkshire Two rivals West Leeds for the honour of a place in the semi-finals.

But Malton can expect West, who are now virtually out of the race for the second remaining promotion spot after their reverse against champions Keighley, to provide a stubborn test as they attempt to finish the season with some silverware.

In fact, Malton slipped up at Leeds in the league little under a month ago, when they lost to a late try, so they will have a good idea of what to expect when they repeat the journey.

"It'll be a tough game there as they are very difficult to beat on their own patch," Stephenson told the Evening Press. "Having lost out on promotion from the league I'm sure they will look to recoup that in the Yorkshire Shield.

"They are a good side, with a couple of big Maoris - at number eight and inside centre - and a wily old fly-half. But if we can get to play expansively then we will have every chance."

Although promotion is the target for the Gannock-based club, success in the Shield is seen as paramount to keeping the spirits and confidence high.

Coach Stephenson had toyed with the idea of putting out a weakened side for the clash, with worries over his squad being fully fit for the must-win promotion decider against Beverley next week.

However, after a discussion with the squad, he has relented and will name his strongest possible team for what promises to be an electric match.

"I was in two minds whether or not to make this a second team fixture as I've got one eye on the game against Beverley," he added.

"I asked all the lads about it and they were dead against it and wanted to play.

"We've a few players carrying niggling little knocks and with the grounds as hard as they are, I don't want them getting any worse ahead of next week."

Tim Chapman, Duncan Foster, Richard Webster, Richard Ellis and John Simpson do miss out through injury, but Malt' have ready-made replacements in Tim Casey, Jim Fisher, Des Wright, Ryan Lonsdale and Liam Cowton.

Pocklington have again gone for youth for their home friendly against Hull Ionians Hawks tomorrow.

Pock have named an entire back division of teenagers, with England Under-16s 'A' cap Charlie Allen set to line up alongside his elder brother, Harry.

There are another three teenagers in the forwards, although the return of former coach John Ainslie will bump up the average age.

The ex-Hawick and York lock had major reconstruction surgery on his knee in August and will step up a level after two outings for the Pock Panthers side in recent weeks.

York RI are also in action and are due to face Wetherby. However, Selby are awaiting news of a fixture after their scheduled friendly with Northallerton was postponed, while York were without a game at the time of going to press.

Updated: 09:42 Friday, April 04, 2003