Malton and Norton promotion hopes lie squarely on the line tomorrow as the race for the top spots in Yorkshire Two really hots up.

While the third-placed Gannock-based squad will be attempting to plunder two points from the visit of Northallerton, across in Leeds, West Park Bramhope and Keighley, the top two sides in the division, clash head on.

Malton trail Park by four points, but the Leeds club have played a game extra, while Keighley are a further two points ahead.

Ideally, Malton will be after leaders Keighley to do them a favour and topple West Park to improve both their hopes of joining the top-flight of Yorkshire rugby next season.

A West Park victory would not necessarily be disastrous for Malton, with Pat Stephenson's men set to face Keighley in the middle of March.

However, all this would become irrelevant if Malton fail to overcome a Northallerton side who almost shocked them back in September at Brompton Lodge. Malton just hung on to take a 13-11 win on that day, but will be after a more comprehensive display on their own patch.

Pocklington are hoping that their two weeks of inactivity won't affect their recent upturn in fortunes.

The Percy Roaders, who have been without a league fixture for the past fortnight due to the break for the internationals, return to action at Yorkshire Two rivals Skipton.

However, the last time Pock had an enforced break from action in January they were caught cold on their return and will be keen for the same thing not to happen this time.

Reading University and Hertfordshire Under-21s scum-half John Frank faces a late fitness test on a calf injury.

The Panthers are also away at Skipton, with the team bus set to leave Percy Road at 12.15pm (supporters welcomes), while the Merovingians have top billing at home to Scarborough.

York will be wary of an upset when they entertain North Ribblesdale at Clifton Park.

The Settle side pulled off the shock of the season when they beat title favourites and leaders Bridlington, a notable feat for a side staring relegation in the face.

Andy Gair's York troops, who should be back to full strength after the international break, will have taken note of this result and know not to underestimate their visitors.

Selby will hand a debut to rugby league convert Tim Jordan for the visit of Wheatley Hills.

Jordan, who has impressed in the seconds since switching from the 13-a-side code, will be handed the full-back jersey in what will be his first game at this level.

There is also a place on the wing for Welsh Exiles U20s centre Martin Prothero and the return of Ray Adamson at fly-half, while Kev Lowery and Richard Topping find themselves on the bench.

There is a familiar face back in the York RI line up for their trip to Old Otliensians, with John Paul Wong returning to the club.

Wong had exited New Lane in the summer, opting to switch codes and play rugby league for amateur outfit New Earswick.

However, the wing wonder has now returned to the club and finds himself back in the fold to face an Otliensians side who are second from bottom in Yorkshire Three.

Harrogate chief Ralph Zoing will have to pick his dispirited troops up off the deck after they saw their promotion hopes all but vanish for another season.

Gate, who entertain Bracknell Two tomorrow, were soundly thumped 40-5 by promotion rivals Penzance and Newlyn - leaving them facing the prospect of another season in National Two.

Updated: 10:07 Friday, February 28, 2003