TWO and a half years of hard work get the seal of approval at York RUFC tomorrow.

The Clifton Parkers officially open their two-storey Shipton Road clubhouse with a cracking Yorkshire One derby match against Malton & Norton.

Teams have been using the new changing rooms and function room for several months but Saturday sees city dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of York, Coun John Galvin, and York MP Hugh Bayley, taking a look around.

Since the rugby players moved out of their outmoded 1960s facilities and into the new clubhouse, results have taken a sharp turn for the better – with Clifton Park becoming something of a fortress.

Niall Barry, York chairman, said the new building had made a huge difference.

“It has worked extremely well and it is great for the players to run out of these superb facilities in the knowledge there will be a hot shower for them after the match,” he said.

“I don’t think it is any coincidence that, from a first team perspective, we have done very well since we have gone into the new clubhouse and changing rooms. The place just seems to be more vibrant and hospitable.

“It will be great to put the official seal on two and a half years of hard work and it couldn’t be better than to have Malton & Norton here.”

The clubhouse will be opened at 2.30pm, with kick off at 3pm.

York have won their last six matches in Yorkshire One but meet a Malton outfit in similarly impressive form – suffering only one defeat in their last nine games.

They notably dispatched Bradford Salem 34-25 in West Yorkshire last time out and were the surprise package of the Guinness Pock 7s, reaching the final before going down 26-12 to sevens specialists Ronin.

York easily saw off relegated Skipton 33-3, a result which pushed them past Castleford into third place in the table. Malton are the Clifton Parkers’ final opponents of the campaign and, following a season largely defined by injury, they will be keen to end it on a high note.

Coach Ken Higgins names a strong line-up including a back five of Alex Nixon at full-back, Sam Arkle and Billy Cakaunitabua on the wings and Sam Potrykus and Mike Cawthorn in the centres.

Selby, who were not in action last week, return to Yorkshire One duties against Heath at Sandhill Lane.

Pocklington’s tough run-in to the Yorkshire Two season starts with a trip to Hullensians.

They have a dozen of the first team squad sidelined by injury and bring in second team vice-captain Martin Scott and club secretary Rob Jackson on the wings.

York Railway Institute are up against Leeds Medics and Dentists in Yorkshire Four.