KNOCKED out of the Yorkshire Shield by a “pumped up” Bridlington outfit, Malton & Norton RUFC must rediscover their powers of concentration as they bid to go into their probable promotion play-off in the best possible form.

The Gannock outfit, missing a few key players, were beaten 20-12 by the seasiders and, coming soon after the club’s 16-game winning streak in Yorkshire One was ended by Selby, club chiefs are keen for the side to get straight back into the winning habit - starting at Yarnbury tomorrow.

With four games remaining in the league campaign, Malton are not yet out of the title race - trailing leaders Doncaster Phoenix by 13 points. But the South Yorkshire side have yet to lose a game in the league all season and thrashed third-placed York 51-14 last time out.

Malton host Phoenix on the final day of the season on April 18 but will need their opponents to slip up at least twice more for dreams of title glory to have any glimpse of becoming reality.

They are 27 points clear of the Clifton Parkers, though, and certain of second place at least, and they are now keen to hit top gear going into a likely play-off match against the runners-up in Durham/ Northumberland One. A return to North One East is at stake.

“The team must now concentrate on the remainder of the league season,” said club spokesman Bill Laidler after the Bridlington loss.

“Mathematically we can still win the league. However, the likelihood is that we will have a play-off against either Morpeth or Guisborough for a promotion place.

“Tomorrow, we will have to be on our mettle to keep up the league form.”

York can call on the cavalry as they host Hullensians.

Dave Bates, Sam Thorpe, Sam Potrykus, Eddie Bradshaw, Toby Atkins and Dave Robinson all return to the squad as head coach Sean Bass looks for home comforts following their smiting by Doncaster last time out.

“We were a bit weak,” he reflected on that 37-point defeat. “That is not being disrespectful to Doncaster who were a very good side. I can’t see them being beaten this season and they are strong in every department.

“Our skipper was yellow-carded the first time Doncaster came into our 22 and it cost us points and momentum. That’s gone now.

“Hullensians had a good win against Yarnbury last week. They have made a few changes but we have got some players back.

“We didn’t have Eddie against Doncaster and he has been outstanding for us this season - the best back on the park. Dave Bates is massive for York. He has been brilliant for the last couple of seasons and they fill me with hope about the game.

“We haven’t seen Dave Robinson since last November, but he has had some great training sessions and he comes in to sit on the bench.”