Evening Press Sport

York will be banking on the return of Toby Cockroft to keep alive their hopes of retaining a place in the North Two (East) League tomorrow.

Cockroft will make his first appearance since returning to the club season when he turns out at stand-off for the clash with league leaders Halifax at Clifton Park.

The last time Cockroft played a league game in York's colours it was in North One. On his debut against Sandal in that League he scored a try, a feat that York hope he will repeat against unbeaten Halifax.

It is hoped Cockroft will bring a changed back division more into play. Mike Parsonage comes in on the wing, Simon Bullough replaces Julian Ramsey at full-back, and Ramsey moves to centre alongside Rob Doyle.

Victory for York is essential if they are to have any chance of staying in the restructured league next season.

Although York have only lost one home league match, and that narrowly to Goole, beating high spending Halifax will be a tall order.

However, York who have the knack of pulling out spirited performances against the odds, are confident they can cause an upset.

North Yorkshire derby fans will be drawn to the clash between Thwaites North East Division Two rivals Pocklington and Selby at Percy Road tomorrow.

Pocklington appear to have completely buttoned up the league title by opening up a seven points gap over second-placed Cleckheaton.

Selby coach Tony Townend has his fingers crossed that his key fly-half Carl Paterson will be fit along with Jason Cisero and John Hick who face late fitness tests.

Pocklington will be without one of their back row forwards, former captain Paul Rhodes, who pulled a hamstring muscle after only two minutes against Hemsworth last Saturday. His place will be taken by Andy Wilson, who is recovering from a rib injury.

Maintaining his team's winning formula is the main preoccupation of Harrogate's coach, Ralph Zoing, as they prepare to go to Yorkshire rivals Wharfedale in two weeks time.

With this in mind, and keen to keep a settled side, he makes only one change for the return trip to Bracknell in Jewson's National League One tomorrow as Harrogate aim to extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Paul Clark drops out of what was an all-RAF second row as he needs rest to a knee problem that required surgery four weeks ago.

Clark's absence gives a debut opportunity to Matthew Boyle, the former Ashville College student.

Ripon are at Gateshead in North East Three tomorrow without injured Phil Staines (elbow)and Jim Anderson (shoulder).

Peter Simms is named at No 8 after recovering from a 'dead leg' and Paul Goldsmith returns after a back injury.

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