Malton & Norton RUFC look to halt relegation fears (From York Press)

Malton & Norton RUFC look to halt relegation fears

11:45am Friday 25th January 2013 in Rugby Union

MALTON & Norton RUFC are looking to get back to winning ways in tomorrow’s North One East clash with Cleckheaton, writes Dale Harris.

The Gannock-based club have lost five out of their last six games and find themselves just eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite this club secretary Bill Laidler said: “The players have nothing to worry about.

“They haven’t been playing badly and there have been one or two games that they could and probably should have won.”

Laidler added: “Nearly everyone is back to full fitness.

“The weather has helped a lot of the players (like Henry Newitt) recover from injuries and those with niggles have had the rest needed to fully recover.”

With a couple inches of snow still left on the pitch, the match against the side three places above them is said to have little chance of being on, with Laidler calling it 50/50.

Divisional rivals Pocklington are hoping they can pull away from the drop zone by completing the double over bottom side Durham City.

The Pilgrims have lost their last three league matches and are just seven points ahead of the relegation places.

The two met back in October with Pocklington picking up a tense 21-18 away victory.

Meanwhile York boss Sean Bass is feeling positive ahead of his side’s Yorkshire One fixture at third-placed Wath-upon-Dearne.

His team currently find themselves fifth in the table and are unbeaten in their last seven games.

With the match said to have a very good chance of being on, Bass spoke of the club’s good form saying: “We’re a confident young side with a great team spirit.

“The players have a collective togetherness and are all taking it one game at a time.”

Selby coach Richard Nicholson, believes his side have a very good chance of gaining promotion this season.

The Yorkshire Two club lie second in the rankings having won their last five league matches – leaving them just two points off top spot.

Nicholson said: “Our aim is promotion and we are doing a very good job working towards that.

“We are very confident at the moment but there is still along way to go.”

Selby will host seventh-placed Sheffield Medicals, again weather permitting.