TITLE-chasing Pocklington RUFC have pulled out of the Yorkshire Cup ahead of tomorrow's quarter-final trip to Harrogate.

Director of Rugby Tony Penn blames a string of injuries for the move but it will also allow Pocklington to concentrate on their number one objective of winning promotion.

With only six games to play, Pocklington are currently three points clear at the top of North One East.

However, they have a tough run-in ahead which includes games against third placed Alnwick, next week, and second-placed West Hartlepool on April 1.

Penn revealed that that he would have been missing an entire forward line this weekend as a result of injuries suffered in last weekend's victory against Durham City.

Opponents Harrogate play two divisions above Pocklington and are the current holders of the Yorkshire Cup.

"With so many forwards injured or unavailable it wouldn't have been fair to send a virtual second team for such a daunting game," said Penn. "We didn't want to call off but we were left with little option."

Pocklington prop Johnny Borja, meanwhile, was selected for the Penguin International RFC squad to play Oxford University in midweek.

The Guam international was recommended to the Penguins by New Zealander Penn. The invitational outfit play special games and tournaments across Britain and are rugby union's most travelled touring side.

Yorkshire One rivals York and Bridlington go head-to-head tomorrow in the quarter-finals of the Yorkshire Shield.

The two clubs met in the league just over five weeks ago when third-placed York secured a shock 30-15 victory over the runaway leaders.

Selby, who are struggling in Yorkshire One, are also in quarter-final action against Wath upon Dearne who are seventh in Yorkshire Two.