COACH Richard Nicholson is desperate for his Selby RUFC side to head into their winter break within striking distance of the Yorkshire Two summit.

The third-placed Swans travel to Leodiensian tomorrow three points adrift of leaders Doncaster Phoenix and with a seven-point cushion over the chasing pack.

Top two Phoenix and Yarnbury collide early in the New Year and Nicholson wants his team to be in a position to capitalise.

“It is very tight between the three of us and then there is a gap to the rest,” he said. “The good thing is the top two play each other and will take points off each other.

“It’s been a really good first half of the season for us and we need to keep up with them to take advantage. We’ve given ourselves a good opportunity and need to carry that on. Hopefully, we will be in with a shout at the end of the season.

“Leos are going to be tough, particularly away from home, but everyone is focused on getting one more win before Christmas.”

Selby are without Andrew Pocklington tomorrow, so Duncan Hardy switches from prop to fill the void. Brendan Lanaghan is added to the front row.

The backs are likely to be unchanged and Nicholson believes he is reaping the rewards of fielding a largely settled side.

“We have been reasonably lucky with injuries and I hope that continues for the rest of the season,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Swans will take on Blyth and Winlaton in a round-robin opening phase of the RFU Senior Vase.

The fixtures are pencilled in for February.