SKIPPER Kay Mannifield is breaking new ground for Pocklington RUFC Ladies.

The captain has been called up to the Yorkshire Region squad and will become the first female Percy Road player to win a county cap in Sunday's clash with the North West at Weetwood, Leeds, on Sunday (2pm).

Mannifield, who works as a palaeontologist in York, was thrilled by the prospect of playing, especially as she was expecting to retire next year from the game she has graced for more than a decade.

Her only apprehension was that, at the age of 34, she might be playing alongside and also against players close to half her age.

Said Mannifield: "That's a bit daunting, but I am very excited, especially at my age, to be recognised in this way.

"It's quite an honour. I previously retired' four years ago but was tempted back again when the team started up in Pocklington.

"Now I am really looking forward to Sunday's game. To be selected at this level is exciting and recognition of all the hard work that you do."

The Bishop Wilton-based forward earned her place in the white rose squad following an impressive display in the regional trials before Christmas.

After playing several games in the back-row, Mannifield recently switched back to her original position of hooker and, since being selected for the initial training squad, she has worked hard on the technical side of her front-row play.

Mannifield first took up the game at university, playing for Trinity College in Dublin, and she was one of the first recruits when Pocklington Ladies were formed two years ago.

Tracy Bulmer, Pocklington team manager, said: "I'm really pleased for her. She has had a long career and it's nice for her to play at this sort of level."

Although Pocklington Ladies have fixtures on an ad-hoc basis, Mannifield also plays for Doncaster's ladies team, the Demons, in North-East Three.

Sunday's county clash will not be the only time the spotlight shines on Mannifield.

After making her Yorkshire debut on Sunday, she will be starring on the small screen on Tuesday as one of the Pocklington Ladies who are being featured in Channel 4's popular Supersize v Superskinny programme.

The players are taking part in a Reduce Your Rears experiment with other groups of women as part of the eight-week show.

Said Mannifield: "It's all good publicity for the club, but it could be more daunting than playing for the county."