OUT of the Ashington and into the fire of top-quality encounters is the prospect for York Rugby Union Club.

The Clifton Parkers welcome lowly Ashington to their base tomorrow with the hosts aiming for an improvement on last week's narrow Intermediate Cup conquest of Consett.

Although unbeaten so far this season not one York performance has been totally convincing, with good fortune saving their blushes on a number of occasions.

And with two matches against Percy Park, who are second in the Durham and Northumberland division 1, and one against third-placed Consett before Christmas, York are entering the most critical part of their season, so an emphatic performance against Ashington would be the ideal springboard.

York make just one change in the backs with Rob Taylor, who has been playing well in the seconds, taking the place of Nick Ventress, who moves to the bench to allow him to rest an injury.

Similarly, Rob Sparrow who damaged his ribs last week, is rested allowing Matt Halifax, another player who has been in outstanding form in the seconds, an opportunity to stake his case for a place in the second row. Alongside him will be Grant Williams, who comes in for Brad Macdonald who has work commitments. Williams' position at flanker will be taken by Stu Davies.

In the front row it is all change with Rob Allen moving to prop to make way for John Sharpe with Simon Humphries completing the unit.

Pocklington will parade a potent centre pairing for tomorrow's home league encounter against North Ribblesdale.

After benching last week, player-coach Guy Hope, who progressed through the club's junior ranks to play in the Premiership before returning to his roots, lines up alongside another local product in former England Schools' cap, Sandy Mitchell.

Mitchell left Pocklington for the Newcastle Academy, graduating to the Falcons' senior squad on one occasion.

He re-signed for Pocklington at the tail end of last season only to be unavailable because of work commitments. However, he is now hoping for a run in the side.

Selby, meanwhile, make five changes - two positional - for the Yorkshire League 1 encounter with derby rivals Goole at Sandhill lane.

In the backs, the unavailable Chris McDonald is replaced at full-back by Rich Topping. He made his first outing of the season on the wing in last week's 46-14 demolition of Yarnbury in the Intermediate Cup.

Matthew Smith returns at scrum-half in place of David Bramley with Simon Hall keeping his spot at stand-off in the absence of Paul Scott.

Meanwhile, in the Selby forwards, Wright Phillips returns at number 8 in place of Matthew Mills, who moves to partner Jason Cicero in the second row. Mark Rollinson drops to the bench alongside Ian Copperwheat and Toby Pemberton.

Since the re-structure of the leagues in 1987 the sides have only met each other four times with Goole claiming three wins, including the double last season.

Selby have yet to win at home but will be up for tomorrow's clash when the Tommy Burton Trophy will be at stake as well as the two points for a win.

Selby are to entertain Caldy in the third round of the Intermediate Cup on Saturday, November 6.

Harrogate will be hoping to maximise home advantage when they entertain Newbury in the National League division 2.

There's home duty too for York RI, who were without a league fixture a week ago.

Tomorrow they play host to Barnsley in Yorkshire 3.

Updated: 12:42 Friday, October 22, 2004