Former Yorkshire County hooker Neil Lineham returns to York's pack for their non-league match against Pontefract at Clifton Park tomorrow.

Lineham, for many years a regular at York, will play alongside last year's skipper Dave Dorking in a much-changed York front row. Only Simon Humphries retains his place.

In the back row, Andy Proctor returns to open side wing forward in place of Hugo Battersby, who switches to the blind side.

For the second week in succession York's backs see wholesale changes.

A new centre partnership of St Peter's School master Rob Doyle and Julian Ramsey will be tried, with Sean Bass moving back out to the wing. Rob Liddle comes in on the other wing and skipper Nigel Durham returns at scrum-half.

It is hoped that the charismatic Lineham will help York breathe new life into their flagging season.

The lack of success away has placed York's season at a crossroads. It is imperative that York, currently seventh in North East One, finish above half way in the table if they are to secure a place in the new league next year, North Two (East) league.

A good win against Pontefract would set them along the right road.

Because of the start of the Six Nations Championship, league games are at a premium tomorrow, but two of York's NE1 rivals are in action.

Redcar, who thumped York last Saturday, visit title favourites Halifax while second placed Darlington head for Percy Park,who are struggling in the relegation zone just two points ahead of Keighley.

Malton and Norton, who managed to fill the gap on their fixture list with a last minute rearranged game against Bridlington last week have picked up another attractive non-league fixture with a visit from Morley's second string, the Cavaliers (1pm).

Tim Casey leads Malton and Norton into action again on Sunday at Middlesborough in the North Yorkshire Trophy first round (2.15pm kick-off).

Pocklington's original opponents, Knottingley are involved in the Yorkshire Shield, so Pock are without a game. Ilkley catch up with their Yorkshire One campaign entertaining high-flying Scarborough.

Scarborough make just one enforced team change as Ken Proctor rests a rib injury while Phil Barker returns to the squad after hamstring trouble.

Selby entertain Keighley in a non-leaguer and give Sam Longthorpe the opportunity to restg various aches and pains. Tom Linton is named in the first team with Dave Copperwheat.

With Dave Batty suffering an ankle injury last Saturday, a decision to bring in a replacement will depend on a late fitness test on the full back.

Ripon found Driffield's second string as a replacement for their original opponents, Ilkley, but have injury doubts hanging over Pete Simms (ankle) and Ben Taylor (calf).

York RI, blessed with a surplus of players fighting for places only a month ago, are frantically looking for replacements for first and second choice hookers, Geoff and Pete Russell (no relation), for their Shield game at Hemsworth .

Geoff is suffering from cartilage trouble and Pete is suffering muscle spasms in the neck. Adding to RI's tale of woe, Paul Rimmer suffered a fracture to the lower part of his leg last Saturday so Johnie Alexander moves to centre.

Nestl Rowntree make various changes for their visit to Selby Extra 'A'. Jim Baldwin is unavailable at No 8 so Dave Sowray switches from centre and Nigel Grainger is promoted to the three-quarter line.

Mike Wilkinson is unavailable so Graham Johnson deputises at prop and Chris Lowther comes in at wing forward as Tim Bradshaw is working.

For the second week running Harrogate have been left without a game, spending their time training tomorrow while Harrogate Colts take centre stage when they meet their Northampton counterparts at Claro Road (2.15pm).

Harrogate winger James Tapster has been included in the Yorkshire Under 20s side to face Northumberland at Sandhill Lane, Selby, on Sunday (2.15pm) in the opening game of the National Tetley's Bitter County Championship campaign.

Yorkshire were narrowly beaten by Durham University in a recent warm-up game but expect to field a stronger side at Selby.

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