YORK RUFC have a new chairman.

Jack Sinclair has decided to step down, and Mark Gronnow now takes the helm.

Gronnow joined the club in 2001 and, barring one season in the second XV and a handful of appearances for the firsts, he has been a third-team regular, captaining the side for three season. He has been on the club committee for nine years.

Gronnow said: "For me there is some sadness as I have great respect for Jack and all he has done at this club and I have greatly enjoyed working with him this season.

"He feels unable to give the position the time and energy that it deserves but will continue to support the committee.

"However, the committee moved quickly to discuss the matter and asked me to take the chair, for which I feel honoured. I will do my best for the club.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the committee for all their hard work. It takes a lot of effort to run a rugby club, and we always need more helpers at every level."

The York first XV, meanwhile, will have to upset the apple cart in Yorkshire One tomorrow in they are to return to winning ways, as they go leaders Bradford and Bingley (2.15pm).

B&B's 100 per cent record ended last weekend as they lost at Hullensians but before that they enjoyed eight straight victories.

York's only two wins since upsetting Malton & Norton on September 12, meanwhile, have come against the bottom two, Selby and West Park Leeds.

Malton & Norton's title credentials will be tested as they go to Bridlington, and spokesman Bill Laidler knows they will have a much sterner examination than they received from poor West Park last week.

"Bridlington are currently second with Malton third so the result will be all important, a point not missed by coaches Chris Creber and rich Webster," he said.

Struggling Selby go to Heath needing a turnaround in fortunes.

In North One East, Pocklington face a trip to Morpeth (2pm) - conquerors of Malton & Norton in last season's promotion play-off.

Morpeth were second in Northumberland/Durham One last term - thus taking on Yorkshire One runners-up Malt in the play-off - and this term sit seventh in the higher tier, just one place and one point behind Pocklington.

Pock spokesman Phil Gilbank says previous games between the two clubs have invariably been close and this one is unlikely to be any different.

York RI, meanwhile, host Halifax Vandals in Yorkshire Three. Players are asked to meet at 12.30pm.