PROMOTION is new York RUFC captain Jon Sharpe's aim as he prepares to take the armband for the first time this weekend.

The 24-year-old Kiwi has been catapulted into the captaincy at Clifton Park after previous incumbent, fly-half Carl Paterson, defected to Hull last week.

Sharpe, who has played provincial rugby for Mid Canterbury in New Zealand's NPC second tier, says he's excited at the opportunity of trying to lead York - currently second in Yorkshire One - into North 2 East.

And the hooker will take charge of his first game when York entertain Scarborough in what is likely to be a feisty league encounter on Saturday.

Sharpe admitted the speed of his elevation to first team captain had been "a bit of a surprise" but he insisted he was up to the task and "honoured" at being chosen as York's figurehead.

"It was a bit of a surprise. Carl has got this opportunity and his reasons for going. We have now got to move forward. Half the season has gone, half is still to go," he said.

"I am excited at the opportunity and looking forward to it. It's a big honour to lead any club. I have played at York for three years and this is something I will be proud to do for the rest of the season, especially if we can get a promotion spot."

A victory against Scarborough, in the context of table-topping Pontefract's clash with third-placed Bradford Salem, could either put York on top of the league, or hand them a six-point cushion in second over their nearest rivals.

And the recent return of big game players Rob Kama and Stu Davies, along with a strong squad, has convinced Sharpe the Clifton Parkers have the strength in depth to make a sustained run at the title this season.

He said: "It's a big game this weekend. If we win, we could be in a very good position. It is massive to have these guys back (Kama and Davies). We've got more depth. People are pushing for places.

"We want promotion but we have to concentrate week by week. We've lost three games already this year and we can't really afford to lose any more.

"I see my role as captain as making sure we're all on the same wavelength and that we stick together. It's not the hardest job. It's made easier by the guys I've got behind me. We've got a few leaders in this team and I'm lucky in that respect."