AFTER returning to winning ways in the league last weekend, York RUFC visit Barnsley tomorrow in the second round of the Yorkshire Shield.

Coach Lee Denham issued a rallying call to his players prior to last week’s victory over West Leeds demanding greater loyalty.

Denham was becoming increasingly frustrated with the number of absentees - often for social reasons - which had been hindering his ability to name a settled side.

York’s 34-6 victory over a team sitting second in the table (now fourth) was the best possible reply and, undoubtedly, the team’s most impressive performance of the season.

Tom Newitt returned to the side and scored two tries while Neil McClure kicked three conversions and a penalty. Marc Benson and Josh Parker also scored tries.

Now York will be seeking to build on that display by delivering another convincing show against a Barnsley side currently ninth in Yorkshire Division Two.

Barnsley, who play at Shaw Lane, have lost four of their first six games this season including last weekend’s 14-3 reverse away at Leodiensian.

Anything other than victory for York tomorrow will be classed as a disappointment.

After winning four games out of six, Pocklington take a break from their North One East league campaign this weekend and tackle Driffield at home in the second round of the Yorkshire Cup, kick-off 3pm.

The two clubs have locked horns many times over the years but this will be the first time they have met in the Yorkshire Cup.

Pocklington will be looking to put the record straight after losing 41-29 at Driffield just five weeks ago in a league fixture. They have since collected nine more points than their rivals who are eighth in the table.

Pocklington hope to welcome back brothers Joe and Jack Holbrough after a family wedding last weekend and, with the Yorkshire Cup regulations allowing five replacements, there will also be an opportunity for several fringe players.

Driffield reached the second round courtesy of a narrow home win over Malton & Norton in August while Pocklington received a last minute bye after scheduled opponents Wheatley Hills called off two days before the game.

The winners face a trip to higher ranked Harrogate in February.

Also on Saturday the unbeaten Pocklington Panthers have a rescheduled home merit game with Hull Ionians, while the Pilgrims are now at Malton.

After four consecutive defeats in Yorkshire One, Selby will be looking for a morale boosting win when they host Ripon who are fifth in Yorkshire Two.

New floodlights have been installed at the club’s Sandhill Road ground courtesy of funding by North Yorkshire County Council.