TWO injuries in midweek have hampered Pocklington's preparations ahead of their rearranged home game against Ripon.

Pock, who were forced to call the original tie off three weeks ago because of a frozen pitch, had hoped to have a strong pack out to combat the Ripon eight, who were critical to their victory in the corresponding fixture at Mallorie Park.

However, flankers Andy Richardson and Andy Green have been ruled out after they picked up knocks in midweek, while No8 Matt Atkinson is still on holiday.

This has forced the Pocklington selectors, who are hoping to have lock Mark Biggin and Rob Jackson back available, to rearrange their squad ahead of the clash.

Skipper Darren Smith, who returned to the starting line-up for the club's superb win over Heath last week, said: "They've a big pack that dominated us out of the game when we last met them and is the main reason why they won.

"They've something like two stone a man on us, so it is never going to be easy, but they are not just big - they are physical with it.

"If we can hold our own in the scrums we have a chance, but we have lost our flankers Andy Richardson and Andy Green in the last 24 hours.

"But after beating Heath, confidence is up and training has been good."

Malton and Norton coach Pat Stephenson will have to pick up his dispirited troops for their trip to Ilkley in Yorkshire Two.

Malton had their hopes of a second trip to Twickenham in three years dashed by Bradford Salem, who booked their place in the quarter-finals with a last-minute penalty try.

However, the Gannock side are still in with a strong shout of finishing the season with a second successive promotion.

They currently trail leaders Keighley by six points and second-placed West Park Bramhope by two, but with games in hand on both - as well as the return fixtures still to come - Malt' can strengthen their claims by toppling struggling Ilkley.

Rejuvenated York RI have their eyes set on a fourth straight win when they travel to Moortown in Yorkshire Three.

Under the leadership of Chris Leathley, the New Lane club have suddenly found their feet and gone from battling against relegation to the relative safety of mid-table.

Leathley has again opted for consistency in his selection, with the same squad announced for the trip to North Leeds.

Harrogate can continue their push for the National Two promotion places with a victory over mid-table Esher at Claro Road.

With little breathing space between the top six, a mad scramble for the two promotion spots is expected, so Ralph Zoing's men need to keeping picking up the points to remain in the pack.

Yorkshire One rivals York and Selby both have weekends free of league action.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, January 24, 2003