10:53am Friday 13th April 2012
By Steve Carroll
POCKLINGTON will win the Yorkshire One title if they beat Knottingley tomorrow.
The East Yorkshire side are in pole position in the league, leading the table by eight points with two games remaining. But they face the most difficult run-in of the four teams chasing promotion, and Knottingley is always an intimidating place to visit.
Games between the sides have invariably been keenly contested. Knottingley won 28-18 the last time Pocklington visited Howard’s Field, and when Knottingley came to Percy Road in December they raced into a ten-point lead before Pocklington took over in the second half to win 29-13.
York coach Sean Bass has made ten changes for the Clifton Parkers’ trip to fourth-placed Bridlington in Yorkshire One.
His men thumped Castleford 92-10 a fortnight ago but because of unavailability, players returning and tactical decisions, he has chopped and changed as the Shipton Road club prepare for their seaside visit.
In the pack, Jack Buxton comes in for Freddie Potrykus at hooker, while Ben Hepworth also replaces Will Norris in the front row. Chris Fox is in for Matt Halifax at lock and Joe Maud moves from number eight to number six.
Sam Thorpe switches sides at flanker and Andy Kay is the number eight.
In the backs, Charlie Nicholson comes in for Rich Downey and Pete Martin is back at centre for Sam Potrykus. He is partnered by Billy Cakaunitabua, whose usual position on the wing is filled by Gareth Singleton.
James Ward, Adam Bowers and Hugh Nicholson make up a new set of replacements.
Selby must put thoughts of cup glory behind them when they host West Park Leeds in Yorkshire Two at Sandhill Lane.
The Swans produced a magnificent performance at Yarnbury, winning 57-22, to book a Yorkshire Shield semi-final spot against Barnsley, who beat Skipton in their last eight tie, at home on April 28.
West Park Leeds are in third place in the table.
Elsewhere, York Railway Institute travel to Burley in Yorkshire Three.
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