IT'S crunch time in Yorkshire Three tomorrow as York RI RUFC and Roundhegians face off in a top of the table clash which could decide who is promoted.

Second-placed RI are just a single point ahead of their opponents and go into the match boasting a virtually full-strength XV.

Number 8 John Alexander is the only doubt, and much will rest on the performance of RI's southern hemisphere trio of fly-half Michael Tyrpenou, prop Anthony Allport and flanker Justin Hardman.

Confidence is still high in the Railway camp, despite defeat in their last outing against Stocksbridge, and - with two going up this season - it's a chance to put in place a vital cushion as the season begins to crank up.

Club spokesman Nigel Lowrey said: "It is the most crucial game of the season. We narrowly lost 22-21 down there, after being 22-0 down at half-time.

"The lads are up for it. Confidence is high - it's a very big game."

York will look to continue their good recent run under new management, but the new approach at Clifton Park will face a severe test at home against Yorkshire One high-flyers Old Crossleyans.

It's a full-strength York back-line which will take the field, but imposing Kiwi prop Cory Wallace misses out through injury.

Phil Little-Hales makes his home debut. York will look to use their pacy backs to expose Crossleyans out wide, with their opponents unused to a pitch with the depth of the Clifton Park turf.

Second meets fourth when Malton and Norton face off against Gateshead in Durham and Northumberland One.

Malton won the first game between the two sides on Tyneside 24-13 in what was an excellent advert for the game and will be looking for more of the same at The Gannock.

After last week's friendly match at York, Malton return to a more familiar line-up. Ben Hough returns at full-back and skipper Chris Creber has recovered from a knee injury to take his place at fly-half.

Ian Cooke and Tom Pateman will be on the wings with David Webster and Ryan Lonsdale in the centre.

In the pack, after a good performance last week, Ed Gwilliam is in line for a place in the front row. Elsewhere, Andy Mitchell, David Cooke and Richard Webster will form the back row with Karl Shaw moving to the bench alongside Paul Dobson and Liam Cowton.

Updated: 10:56 Friday, March 03, 2006