A STRONG side will turn out for York RUFC, who fancy their chances of scalping Sandal in the first round of the Yorkshire Cup tonight at Clifton Park (kick off 7pm).

They may be up against North 2 East opponents, but York go into the first round tie confident they can cause an upset.

With Sandal struggling at the foot of their division, having won just twice in the league all year, York's recent revival in form under the tutelage of coaches Shaun Bass, Mick Negri and Alan Robertshaw sees the Clifton Parkers in confident mood.

For York, Graeme Smith continues at fly-half, in the place of missing Carl Paterson, while Sam Arkle and Phil Littlehales form the centre combination. James Arkle continues to complement Smith at scrum-half.

Try scorers Rob Kama and Billy Caukanitabua will provide the threat while Kiwi Cory Wallace and hooker Rob Allen are part of a pack which has performed well all year.

Skipper Andy Kay is at number eight, with Grant Williams and Stu Davies the flankers.

York: Bartlett, Caukanitabua, S Arkle, Littlehales, Kama, Smith, J Arkle, Wallace, Allen, Cunningham, MacDonald, Halifax, Williams, S Davies, Kay (capt). Replacements: Councell, I Davies, Rutherford, Bond.

Mods rocked

NESTL Rowntree RUFC won 25-20 at Old Modernians thirds to complete a unique double as the Leeds side have only lost one other game this season.

The lead changed hands five times with never more than one score separating the sides with Trees having the best of the forward battle, while their youthful hosts were quicker on the break.

Prop Graham North scored two tries, flanker Dom O'Sullivan and winger Sean Harvey scored one apiece and Chris Moores landed a conversion and a penalty.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, April 05, 2006