CONFIDENT Malton & Norton RUFC are hoping gaining derby bragging rights can maintain their bright start to the new rugby union season.

The Gannock outfit host York on Saturday fresh from a heartening 35-13 victory at Hullensians and a thumping win against West Park Leeds in the first round of the Yorkshire Shield.

Club chiefs are in no doubt that head coach Lee Denham's Clifton Parkers, who opened their campaign with a 22-11 home success against North Ribblesdale, will pose a sterner test but, as the Ryedale outfit ultimately seek promotion, they are confident they are up to the task.

Club secretary Bill Laidler said: "West Park Leeds had a few players missing but it was a good display against Hullensians considering it was our first league match of the season. It was a very encouraging start as we look to go one better than last season.

"York will be a nice early test. We are confident of being very competitive."

Malton have been boosted by the return of overseas stars Vusumzi Dyantjies and Zwelakhe Sodlada, who have committed to the club for the entire season. The club were robbed of their services at a crucial point last year as they would eventually lose in a play-off for promotion to North One East.

Laidler added: "It's great to have them back. It did have an effect (when they left last season) and particularly we lost Zweli's goal-kicking at a time when he had a lot of points under his belt."

Head coach Chris Creber has no injury worries but will not be able to call on captain Sam Triffitt, who is at a wedding.

York, meanwhile, will be without a number of key players as they travel to Ryedale. Second row Marc Benson and number eight Marcus Britland will leave a hole in the Clifton Parkers' pack and head coach Lee Denham, trying to bed in a number of new players and new techniques, believes his side are embarking on a transitional year.

That's not to say that he isn't eyeing victory at Malton.

"You can't ask for anything more than last week, although we would have liked a bonus point out of it," Denham said. "We were more than happy with that start and, although there is plenty to work on, it wasn't too bad.

"Malton have strengthen their team and they have got a stable platform. We have got a few players out and I won't be going there with the best side available. But all the guys training are bedding in our new shape and, hopefully, that will bring us through.

"I am quite excited about some of the players we do have. We are a young side and the good thing about youth is that they are open to change. I am changing the way the team scrummage, the lineout has changed completely and we have introduced a new calling system around the park."

Pocklington are at Driffield in North One East. Selby look to pick up their first win as they host Bradford & Bingley at Sandhill Lane and York RI go to Skipton.