SEAN BASS said his York RUFC side must be more clinical if they are to end a four-game losing run in a derby battle tonight.

The Clifton Parkers host Selby in the quarter-final of the Yorkshire Shield (kick off 7.30pm) and head coach Bass admits his team must find a way to convert their chances if they are to earn bragging rights.

“We lost at Dinnington because of our goal kicking,” he said. “We lost to North Ribblesdale because we didn’t kick our penalties.

“We haven’t played poorly. Even against Doncaster Phoenix, ten minutes into the second half we were beating them 18-14.

“We have to look to ourselves and to how we can finish games. We haven’t been clinical enough. We have to finish our chances when we are in position.”

The game will be staged under the Shipton Road floodlights and Bass believes more matches should be held in the atmospheric conditions that result.

“I don’t think we play enough under lights,” he explained. “It’s a good atmosphere, especially during midweek, and I am looking forward to it.

“Selby have really picked up since we played last time, and they look the team to beat.

“They will come firing at us but we know what to expect.”

Bass will be hoping for a big game from skipper Chris Fox, of whom he said: “He has been outstanding for us this season. He doesn’t miss a training session and he is always there at the front.”

Selby chief Richard Nicholson reckons the ever changing weather conditions means his squad will be on a “trip into the unknown”.

The Sandhill Laners played in the worst conditions Nicholson had seen in 25 years in a 0-0 Yorkshire One draw with Ilkley at the weekend and he is expecting the York pitch to quickly become heavy following the deluge of rain in recent days.

Nicholson will again be without skipper Duncan Hardy but can boast a full squad otherwise.

He said: “It will be a difficult game but we have already had pitches like this during the season. We will see what the conditions give us.

“Certainly it can be an issue underfoot but the lights will create a good atmosphere and I am sure we will bring a few supporters.

“Everyone came through the Ilkley game unscathed and we are looking forward to the match.”