YORK RUFC need to avoid a potential banana skin tomorrow when they visit struggling Acklam in Yorkshire One.

Locked in a battle for play-off qualification with rivals West Leeds, the men from Clifton Park can afford no slip-ups against the favourites for relegation.

They have shown immense character in the last few games to stay in the promotion race and the drama has been giving supporters more than a few nervous moments.

There was a shock victory over leaders Bridlington, a last gasp draw against West Leeds, and the agony of a one point defeat by Hullensians.

But even all that was eclipsed by a moment at the end of last week's victory over Yarnbury which could yet shape the destiny of the season.

If George Oldridge's penalty kick from halfway had carried only a yard more, the ball would have gone between the posts and denied York a vital victory.

But fortune favours the brave so they say and, fortunately for York, the ball struck the post just under the crossbar and Yarbury were beaten 23-21.

Acklam, who were beaten last week by Selby, may be four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table but they are sure to be fighting for their lives. Scrumhalf Chris McRobert is the man to watch.

West Leeds, meanwhile, travel to Hullensians.

Selby need to build on last weekend's victory as they travel to mid-table Bradford Salem.

It only takes a glance at the league table to give Selby reason for optimism. They had lost 10 consecutive games but are now out of the relegation zone again. Whether they can stay out, remains to be seen.

In North One East, leaders Pocklington host a Durham City side who are desperate to avoid a fifth defeat in a row.

Their title aspirations would also be given a boost should third placed Penrith win at second placed West Hartlepool.

Aussie flanker Johnny Wood is ruled out after turning an ankle late in the game at Penrith but Pocklington have several back five options including Matt Davies - who made a cameo return from injury from the bench - and Joe Brown, who has been impressing with the Panthers.

At the opposite end of the table, Malton & Norton host Percy Park.

Buoyed by last weekend's victory over Yorkshire Four leaders Skipton, sixth placed York RI entertain eighth placed Ossett.

There is a local derby in the YRFU Central & North Merit League Division One where York 3rd XV host Selby 3rd XV.

Champions-elect York RI Ladies, meanwhile, take a break from league action and host Lutterworth in the quarterfinals of the Junior Plate.