Malton and Norton can ensure their third successive promotion if they can overcome struggling Old Brodleians at the Gannock on Saturday.

They need just two points from their remaining three games to take the Yorkshire One title.

Malton retain the same pack and half backs which have served them well in recent weeks but there are changes in the three-quarters. Jason Simpson has recovered from a head injury and comes in at full-back.

With David Webster still not 100 per cent fit, and Ryan Lonsdale injured, Liam Cowton moves to centre from the wing where Tom Stephenson will retain his place after his brace of tries against Selby.

Malton seem certain to replace York in North East Two with the Clifton Parkers needing a miracle to escape the drop.

Tomorrow they must do what no other club in the division has done - beat runaway leaders Hull, who have won all 19 of their league games to date.

But York coach Paul Matthews believes the secret to defeating the high-fliers is playing good, attacking rugby and reducing the power of their pack.

Veteran prop Nick Hare has been given a recall at loose head to add experience and bulk to the pack, while back row Stuart Davies has been drafted in at flanker and Mark Roberts will figure at stand-off.

Harrogate, meanwhile, will be taking their part in an altogether different relegation drama, that of Rugby Lions.

The desperate Warwickshire side are on course for their second successive drop out of National League Two and are the visitors to Claro Road tomorrow.

Harrogate will be at virtually full strength. Peter Taylor, Harrogate's most experienced player with 218 appearances, will return to the fray in place of the injured Andrew Boyle, who has a hamstring injury.

Key first XV player Rhys Morgan, who has been out since November with a shoulder injury, will take the field against New Brighton as the Georgians aim to maintain their seven-game winning streak.

With Simon Hall and Andy Bennett unavailable, Selby make three changes to their back division for their hard trip to Wheatley Hills in Yorkshire One.

Full back Hamish Burns comes back with Martin Protheroe, now recovered from a rib injury, selected on the wing. Andy Gabel switches back to his more accustomed centre role.

Jason Cicero and Mark Toye team up in the second row again with Jamie Pocklington back at No 8. Paul Randell retains his place at flanker and Duncan Phillips, recovered from an eye infection, taking up the other flanker position.

Pocklington need just one win from the last three games to secure promotion from Yorkshire Three after ten successive wins.

Pocklington have been without No 8 and skipper, Matt Atkinson, with a shoulder problem, but he was fit enough to bench last week against Hemsworth and he could feature this time against Northallerton.

Updated: 09:52 Friday, March 12, 2004