IN a season devoid so far of success, Pocklington have the chance of picking up a morale-boosting accolade when they travel to Beverley tomorrow.

A second successive relegation seems a near-formality with the Percy Road side adrift at the bottom of Yorkshire Two. But Pock are not giving up the fight yet, with Beverley offering them the chance of a rare league double.

The two sides clashed at Percy Road at the back end of October, with Pock picking up a 26-14 victory - their first and only win of the campaign.

But team boss Phil Gilbank believes a lot will depend on what Beverley team turns up for the clash.

Gilbank said: "Beverley are probably the most difficult team to judge.

"They were unlucky at Malton, where they had two tries disallowed and lost by just seven points - I think even Malton will admit that - but they then go and lose to a Northallerton side you would have expected them to beat.

"They blow hot and cold and have done so for years, but on their day they are a match for anyone.

"We will have to see whether they are going to blow hot or cold tomorrow, but we've played better in recent weeks without seeing it in the results."

One of the try-scorers in their earlier victory over Beverley, Johnny Frank, will hope to have as big an impact on this match as he returns to a young Pock side dotted with several players under 23.

Reading University student Frank is back at scrum-half for the clash as Andy Kirby has failed to shake off a leg strain. and he will team up with Newcastle University's first choice No10, Henry Mitchell, who replaces Kev Bowling (mouth injury).

Italy-bound Robbie Slater marks his last appearances in the blue and white hoops by coming on to the wing.

In the pack, Andy Watson and 19-year-old prop Dave Birch come into the starting line-up, with Paul Thompson moving up from the back row to the second row. Skipper Darren Smith could also make a surprise return to the bench after an injury-plagued season.

The festive break and the recent cold snap has left the Pock squad short of match practice, so they will be hoping that they are not caught cold by a Beverley side who have played league matches over the previous two weekends.

Meanwhile, Pocklington Panthers are at home to Beverley tomorrow, while the Under-13s get their Yorkshire Cup campaign under way on Sunday at Percy Road.

While Pock are facing the threat of dropping into Yorkshire Three, local rivals Malton and Norton can continue their push towards Yorkshire One when they travel to Skipton.

The Gannock-based outfit currently lie third behind West Park Bramhope and Keighley, but they can keep up the pressure on both if they can repeat 50-5 victory against Skipton from earlier in the season.

Malt' treated their home fans to a try-scoring feast when they swamped Skipton 50-5 in the home fixture, but they will be weary of a backlash against a club fifth in the table.

York RI will be itching to get back into action when they entertain Hemsworth in Yorkshire Three.

Having seen their weekend clash against Leeds Corinthians fall by the wayside due to the weather, the New Lane side were left kicking their heels.

However, with confidence and form returning to the players since the arrival of coach Chris Leathley, the club will look to continue their marked improvement against Hemsworth.

Team manager Nigel Lowery said: "He knows his business. The lads have got a lot of time for him and respect what he has to say.

"I'm confident we can beat Hemsworth, I'm sure we can deliver."

Former Harrogate fly-half Matthew Yates would have missed the Corinthians game through holiday, but he returns to one of RI's strongest starting line-ups this season.

York may have seen their Yorkshire One title hopes hit by their 18-7 reverse against Bridlington at the weekend, but the Clifton Park club are still gunning for promotion.

Andy Gair's men have slipped to four points behind Brid, but they have maintained second spot and will look to strengthen that position with a win over Old Crossleyans.

Skipper and player-coach Peter Curtis had been expected to miss out with after fears he broke his foot against Bridlington but the former Otley star has been named in the squad. However, Curtis could be restricted to the bench with Dave Spanton and Brad MacDonald potentially teaming up in the second row.

As York battle to keep hold of second spot, the dark horses of Selby are beginning to make their customary post-Christmas climb.

And while they may be four points behind their regional rivals, they still have to face them again this season.

But first up for the Sandhill Laners is the visit of a North Ribblesdale side that pulled off a shock victory over Bridlington during the festive period.

Full-back Rich Topping and flanker Richard Nicholson could both miss out after coming off against Dinnington on Saturday, so Dave Batty and Duncan Phillips could both come into contention for starts.

Harrogate are without the suspended John Dudley for their National Two home clash with Stourbridge.

Updated: 10:47 Friday, January 10, 2003