Malton & Norton RUFC hope to be fighting fit when they travel to Scarborough in Yorkshire One tomorrow.

A patched-up outfit stormed to a 16th successive league win with a 51-24 victory over Knottingley – a victory which stretched their lead at the top of the table to 16 points.

It came at a cost, with number eight Mark Bradshaw having to leave the field at the end of the first half with a broken jaw, which will rule him out for some time.

But The Gannock-based outfit showed their strength and depth as 17-year-old winger Ali Heard scored two tries on his debut.

He drops out this week as Malt are able to call on some strength in depth for the trip to the seaside.

Ian Cooke and Rob Armitage are both expected to return.

Sheffield’s unexpected 25-25 draw with Knottingley has given Malton further breathing space in their push to be promoted but they will be wary of a Scarborough side which have lost their last two matches but still gained recent victories against York, Selby and North Ribblesdale.

Club spokesman Bill Laidler said: “It will be a tough derby game and we hope to keep plodding on.

“We were depleted in numbers last week but came through quite well.

“If we can keep up the same level of performance, we will be more than satisfied.”

Liam Watling starts for York, who are at home to Ilkley in Yorkshire One.

The rugby league convert lines up alongside the recalled Sam Potrykus at centre as head coach Sean Bass continues to blood his new recruits ahead of an expected promotion charge next season.

Matt Green, York’s high-profile signing from National One side Blaydon, is on the bench having shaken off a shoulder problem while Stu Davies also returns to the team having missed last week’s 28-25 win over Castleford.

Meanwhile, Selby, who lost 33-12 at Sandhill Lane to Heath, look to pick up their sixth win of the season when they entertain mid-table Knottingley.

Matt O’Connor switches back to scrum-half after playing at centre against Heath, with Matt Smith dropping to the bench.

Alex Webster and Martin Protheroe form a new centre partnership.

The pack is unchanged.