YORKSHIRE One is too close to call this season according to Selby RUFC coach Richard Nicholson.

Only leaders Doncaster Phoenix are unbeaten after three games of the campaign, while there have been a series of close games.

The Swans failed to turn territory and possession into points against Wath last weekend and paid the price with a 21-7 defeat.

"There are no gimmes," said Nicholson. "Every game is a challenge. It is one of the tightest divisions I can remember.

"We had a tough game at Wath last week. We were the better side and dominated possession and territory, but we couldn't convert our chances.

"We need to try to convert opportunities when we get them and not let them slip away. Every point is crucial when the games are so tight."

James Blaymire and Brendan Lanaghan return to the squad after missing last weekend's defeat.

Martin Protheroe could return from an ankle injury.

York coach Sean Bass wants his side to be "on their mettle" for tomorrow's Yorkshire One trip to Scarborough.

The Clifton Park outfit have won two of their three league matches, but Bass is expecting a battle against hosts boasting an identical start.

"We have not hit our straps yet and I think the team know that," he said. "Can we beat Scarborough? Yes we can, but we have got to be on our mettle and playing well."

York have picked an initial 20-man squad, which was being trimmed to 18 after checking on various minor knocks.

Bass added: "We are getting good numbers at training and there are a lot of people putting their hands in the air for the first team."

Malton & Norton are hoping they have found the perfect combination of tight defence and dynamic attacking play.

The Ryedale side travel to fellow relegated side Middlesbrough in Yorkshire One tomorrow having won two of their opening three games.

Spokesman Bill Laidler believes the club's new-look back line are ready to cut loose, while a record of only two tries conceded so far bodes well at the other end of the pitch.

"The backs are settling down and they are going to cause some havoc, but the biggest improvement is in our defence," said Laidler.

"We have conceded only two tries this season and that was a big problem for us last season. We had a hard game against Heath last weekend, but they didn't get a try, which was pleasing."

Pocklington are expecting a tough encounter when they travel to Wheatley Hills in North One East tomorrow.

Centre Matt White has a hamstring strain, but threequarters Jake Bishop and Pete Massie are both named along with back five forwards Joe Brown and Marcus Britland.

In Yorkshire Four, York RI host Hornsea aiming to bounce back after last weekend's 51-8 defeat to Wetherby.