MORLEY RUFC are the next obstacle for Ralph Zoing and Harrogate to overcome in the club's pursuit of the Yorkshire Cup.

Harrogate will have fond memories of taking on the Maroons with their last competitive fixture coming back in the then Jewson One 1998/1999 season.

Both sides were battling to avoid the second drop spot - with Liverpool St Helens firmly entrenched at the bottom - when they met at Scratcherd Lane for a relegation showdown. Harrogate trailed for long periods until club stalwart Peter Taylor stepped up to send over a last-minute penalty from the touchline to snatch an unlikely win and virtually ensure their survival.

Although second row Taylor misses tonight's clash, Harrogate will go into the tie as clear favourites to progress into the last four.

Since their relegation that season, Morley have struggled to recapture their glory days and only just avoided the drop from National Three North this time around, while on the other hand, Harrogate have enjoyed their best campaign to date, finishing fourth in National Two.

Jeremy Marr is also ruled out of the tie.

Updated: 12:18 Tuesday, April 30, 2002