YMCA enter the final five-game Yorkshire II run-in tomorrow, desperately needing to reverse the disturbing trend which has seen them lose three times in the last five outings.
And the poor run of form began with the dire performance at Skipton in February – the opposition, coincidentally, who they face tomorrow at Laund Hill (3.00).
Although still in second spot, last week’s defeat at Barnsley left Damon Scholes’ side only four points clear of the South Yorkshire men, and despite still having two games in hand, the YM director of rugby will demand an improved performance if they are not to squander their points advantage away.
Jon Smith comes back into the side, following a family birth, and coach Jody Shaw will be looking to him to get better distribution out to the speedy backs line.
“We’ve rung a few changes this week as we try to keep the side fresh as we enter this vital final phase,” said Shaw.
“Some of the changes have been forced on us because of injuries, but others are on merit as we seek to get back on the winning track.
“We know can’t afford any more slips-ups, and the lads have all trained really well this week, and certainly don’t need motivating for tomorrow’s game.”
Alex Shaw retains the inside centre spot after an impressive display there at Barnsley, while Lloyd Bentley joins him at centre, with Adam Ryder on the wing and Danny Moorhouse stepping up to the first team after some good displays in the Development squad.
In the forwards, James Bell teams up with Darren Neilly in the second row with Neil Walker moving to his more favoured position at No8, while the fit-again Sam Hodge makes a very welcome return at wing forward, to team up with Mark Whitehead.
Another exciting inclusion sees Karl Sibbons, who recently moved to Scotland, back this weekend, and although starting on the bench, he will provide a massive boost as YM seek a revenge mission (they lost 35-26) over their North Yorkshire rivals.
Team: Beever; Ryder, Bentley, Shaw, Moorhouse; Smith, Wilson; Sanderson, Dyke (Stu), Dyke (Ste), Neilly, Bell, Whitehead, Hodge, Walker. Subs: Sibbons, Swift, Hill.
Seconds (v Leodiensians, h): Emsley; Wilson, Dickinson, Spencer, Hopkins; Senior, Willans, Watson, Stafford, Wilcox, Calvert, Blamires, Hemphill, Tuivunilagi, Lumb. Subs: Scholes, Warner, Willets, Wrafter, Housley (J), Housley (S), Housley (R), Helliwell.
Thirds: (v Wortley Arms, a): Harris, Noble, Hamilton, Bull, Morgan, Earnshaw, Headifan, Murphy, Wilkinson, Miller, Kennedy, Boyles, Morton, Webb, Rimmer, Frankland.
YMCA are also in action next Tuesday, when they visit York (7.30pm) for a semi-final clash in the Yorkshire Shield. Preview and team in Tuesday’s edition.