YORK Railway Institute are on course to match the efforts of Malton and Norton in the Tetley's Bitter Vase.

Malton romped to an historic victory in the final at Twickenham in the competition last season, but now it is the turn of RI to fly the flag for the area with Stanley Rodillians tomorrow's visitors (kick-off 2.15pm).

While injuries have left RI with the bare minimum of a squad to pick from, the New Lane club are still confident of overcoming their Yorkshire Four opponents.

"Realistically, with us being two divisions above them, we should come through, but you can never take that for granted," said team representative Nigel Lowery.

"With the injuries we've got, we're going to have a much-changed side. The pack is looking okay, but it is in the backs where we could struggle."

RI could be missing nearly their entire back line with Nick Ward, Matthew Maddigan, John Armstrong, Erickson Atkins, Matt Yates and player-coach Ian Hassell all doubtful.

"A couple may play, but we will delay naming a team until tonight or tomorrow," said Lowery.

"It all depends on whether we opt to risk them for the cup or to let them recover in time for our next league match."

Nick Humphreys and Paul Reed are both available for the clash.

There will be a 'no-holds barred' confrontation at Clifton Park when York entertain Durham-based outfit Horden (kick-off 2.15pm).

Having played against Horden for Newcastle in the past, coach Andy Gair knows only too well what his side will face tomorrow.

"They play very much like a Durham side - a simple basic style, but very aggressive and hard," he said. "They are very much a community club, not many players leave unless they are picked up by the (Newcastle) Falcons.

"I'm told that in York's last game against them many years ago there was a bit of aggro, so we're expecting a hard game from them."

York will use the game to try a couple of new combinations, with Lee Denham switching to the blind-side flank and Gareth Thomas coming in at No 8.

Ex-Hull fly-half Dave Roberts will also get a chance to impress in his first run-out for the club.

Pocklington will give promising youngsters Phil Thompson and Russ Cooper the chance to shine in tomorrow's friendly at home to Ripon (kick-off 2.15pm).

The back row duo are both new to the club - Thompson has joined after studying at Leeds Met and working in Sardinia, while Cooper has previously played at Rotherham Academy - and will be vying to replace the York Wasps RL-bound Carl Stannard.

Former Hull and Scotland RL ace Rob Nolan moves across from centre to fly-half for the clash to replace Kev Bowling, who faces a spell on the sidelines after a hernia operation.

Selby may be without a league fixture tomorrow, but this will not stop the club naming a near to full-strength side for the trip to Old Crossleyans.

The Sandhill Lane club are keen to stick with a settled side as they try to give their season a boost with a victory over the Halifax-based North Two East outfit.

Team manager Richard Besley said: "I know a few of the lads were looking for a rest, but the rugby committee want to get out a full first team for this game, so we can keep working on our moves.

"It was between them (Old Crossleyans) and York as to who would go down last season, but they put together a run of results at the end to escape."

Selby have been forced to make a change in the second row with John Hick replaced by Tommy Burke, while Andy Bennett faces a late fitness test on his groin.

Only centre Tim Chapman is unavailable for Malton and Norton's testing friendly against Yorkshire One outfit Beverley.

After an easy win a fortnight ago and last Saturday's fiasco against Bramley Phoenix - where the West Leeds club failed to field a front row - Malton are looking for a tougher run-out.

Secretary Bill Laidler said: "We'll be putting out our first team squad as we haven't had a good run-out for about two or three weeks now."

Chris Creber and Nick Tyson will be playing their last games for a fortnight as they head off to the Dubai Sevens with the Quality Street Gang on Monday.

FOR all the latest news around the local rugby union scene see Scrumdown with Tony Curtis in tomorrow's Evening Press.

Updated: 12:08 Friday, November 02, 2001