UNIVERSITY Challenge will come to Clifton Park tomorrow as the rugby union sides from York University and York St John's College prepare to clash - just under a year after the match was originally scheduled.

The rugby rivals had been due to meet in the first of an annual Varsity challenge at the home of York RUFC on May 1 last year, only for York University to pull out at the 11th hour - citing exam pressures and the need to prepare for their 'Roses' tie against Lancaster University.

St John's, who are linked to the York RI club, would have gone into that match as clear favourites, having won the Yorkshire Universities Cup - beating Leeds Met for the first time in their history - and finished runners-up in North One.

However, the tables have now turned, with York, who have connections with the Clifton Park club, enjoying the better season.

But this year the women's teams from the cross-city rivals will first play each with the aggregate points both matches deciding who will finish with the first-class honours.

The two rivals have not met in a competitive fixture since the 1998/9 season.

The ladies match kicks-off at 1pm with the men's game following at 3pm. All spectators are welcome along.

Updated: 10:56 Tuesday, March 11, 2003