TOPPLING the unbeatable - that's the aim of Selby RUFC as they face a formidable journey to Doncaster Phoenix in Yorkshire One tomorrow.

The South Yorkshire outfit have enjoyed a perfect six for six start to the new season as they have opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the table. It looks an impossible task for the Sandhill Laners but the two sides have enjoyed some tight tussles in recent seasons.

Two years ago, Selby went to Phoenix and won as they claimed the Yorkshire Two title and, in the clash last season, were turned over by a solitary digit. That gives head coach Richard Nicholson optimism his men can spring an upset.

He said: "We know about the ambition they have got to go up the levels and they are putting players in place to achieve that. It will be a really good challenge - a test to go there and do what we can.

"Last year we lost by one point and we have beaten them in the past. There is no reason why we can't do it again. The simple fact is that we have got to play at 100 per cent to be capable to do that.

"Anything short of that and we aren't going to win. If we can get the players motivated there is no reason why we can't come away with a victory."

Ben Lunt will be missing for the Swans, the winger has fractured a thumb and is expected to be out for a couple of weeks, and scrum-half Neil Francis is also out. Prop Tom Bell and centre Pete Turner come back in.

Defence has been the key to Malton & Norton's solid start to the Yorkshire One season.

The Gannock-based club entertain Pontefract in second spot in the table - after recording their fourth win of the season last time out with a last-ditch 20-16 success at Old Brodleians.

After an injury-plagued campaign last year saw Malton relegated from North One East, the victories - and a much healthier squad - have proved a welcome tonic for club chiefs as they bid to build a promotion challenge.

"It has been very solid," said club spokesman Bill Laidler. "We have lost at Doncaster Phoenix (league leaders) and we could have beaten them if we had taken our chances on the day and we had a really bad day at the office against Middlesbrough.

"But it has been a very encouraging start. The wins have allowed team spirit and morale to get back up to scratch and we are not seeing so many injuries, which helps. Our defence has been the most pleasing thing.

"In comparison to last year, it has been very tight."

Pontefract may have only won two of their six games but, with a points difference of just minus 23, have proved stiff competition for all of their opponents throughout the season so far. Malton will only be without Ian Cooke, who continues to struggle with a hamstring strain.

York's strong start to the new Yorkshire One campaign was stalled with defeat last week at Wath-upon-Dearne.

The Clifton Parkers will hope for victory against Yarnbury at Clifton Park to kick-start their campaign.

Pocklington return to Percy Road to meet Halifax side Old Crossleyans in North One East. They have named a provisional 22-man squad that includes returnees Matt White and Tom Peters (injury) and Tim Nixon (unavailability).

In Yorkshire Four, York RI host Skipton.