FIRST-CLASS ace Jack Leaning will return to Hunters ECB Yorkshire Premier League North action to help York’s title push.

The Yorkshire batsman is available to represent his home town tomorrow at Acomb, who also need a result as they try and stave off the threat of relegation.

Mathew Waite and Adam McAuley will also return to the fold, with Alex Collins absent and Joe Ashdown dropping down to captain the second XI.

Alex Collins is away and Joe Ashdown will captain the second team.

On the chance to call on Leaning’s services, captain Dan Woods said: “We are very lucky that, when he’s available, he’s always keen and willing to play.

“We’re looking forward to having him in the team, although it’s very tough when somebody else has to miss out, because everyone has been doing really well. You always rely on a good team spirit and atmosphere and it’s horrible – probably the hardest job as captain - having to ring people up and tell them they’re being left out.

“I feel lucky and privileged that people take it so well and it’s the sign of a successful club that everyone can enjoy each other’s success.”

York remain four points behind leaders Yorkshire Academy with three games left to play.

The latter travel to fifth-placed Sheriff Hutton Bridge this weekend and Jones is not under-estimating any of the league’s teams, adding: “You get funny results in all sports and we can only control our results.

“Acomb will not be easy though. They battled really hard against Harrogate and nearly got something out of the game.

“I don’t expect them to be any different against us, because they are in a dogfight and need to get as many points as they can.”

Acomb are just six points behind Clifton Alliance, who host Harrogate tomorrow. Mid-table pair Woodhouse Grange and Driffield will also do battle, while Stamford Bridge will hope to cash in on any slips-ups by York and the Academy at bottom-of-the-table Easingwold.