AT stake is Yorkshire One rugby as Malton and Norton hunt a win over relegation rivals Skipton at The Gannock tomorrow.

With a six-point cushion over the second bottom side, Malton will secure their spot in Yorkshire’s elite division with another two-point haul – and condemn the visitors to the drop.

It has been a miraculous climb out of trouble for Malton, who looked dead and buried at Christmas.

Their revival, which suffered a minor blip following defeat to Heath, was put right back on track when derby rivals Selby were beaten 22-18 last time out.

That result pushed Malton level with Selby on 16 points, having played two games less, so a victory over Skipton could ironically also help their North Yorkshire foes.

They are hoping for a big following tomorrow, with club spokesman Bill Laidler reckoning a good crowd could be crucial to Malton’s hopes of victory.

“A victory in this game is vital to ensure safety,” Laidler said. “Malton support is arguably the largest in the league and has been crucial in many games this season. Hopefully that support will shout their team to victory over Skipton.”

Selby, although defeated by Malton, “should take great confidence from this performance,” said spokesman David Arthur.

The Sandhill Laners head to Sheffield in good heart despite that Malton loss.

“Malton have beaten three of the top four teams in the league after scouring the world and recruiting to avoid relegation, so a narrow defeat is nothing to be ashamed of,” Arthur added.

After losing at second bottom Goole last Saturday, Pocklington have a chance to redeem themselves when they entertain Hessle who are at the foot of the Yorkshire Two table and certain to be relegated.

Pocklington welcome back front row forwards Brett Britton and Andy Wilson, but full-back Mark Stringer is ruled out after breaking his arm at Goole.

York Railway Institute, top of Yorkshire Four by a whisker but in good shape for second spot, are not in league action.