THE massive plus for YMCA going into their first run-out of the New Year is the return of influential scrum half Simon Wilson.

He is back in the line-up at Laund Hill tomorrow against Doncaster Phoenix (2.15).

The enterprising No9 has been out of action since breaking a wrist during the 28-19 victory over Leodiensians away on October 16.

And although stand-ins Jon Smith and Neil Walker did not let the side down, the team definitely lost some of their cutting edge without Wilson, who early this season had begun to display the best rugby of his career.

He is almost certain to start on the bench, providing he suffers no adverse reaction to this week’s training, with Lloyd Bentley on standby should he not make selection.

Tomorrow’s game will also signal a farewell to no-nonsense second rower Karl Sibbons, who has taken a job in Scotland and, sadly, will be playing his final game for the club against Doncaster.

In the back division, Chris Beever is having a run at full-back, a position he has occupied to good effect before, with Alex Shaw, presently struggling with a foot infection, going onto the wing.

Further good news for YM is that third-placed Skipton have been docked five points for playing an ineligible player, which puts even more distance between the top two clubs (YM and Pocklington) and the chasing pack.

YMCA: Beever; Morton, Ryder, Williams, Shaw; Swift, Smith; Sanderson, Dyke (Stu), Dyke (Ste), Sibbons, Housley, Hodge, Sharrock, Neilly. Subs: Bell, Wilson, Pollock, Bentley.

Seconds: (v Doncaster, h, 1.00 meet): Emsley, Scholes (H), Bentley, Tuivinilagi, Dickinson, Senior, Willans (Jo), Pollock, Hephill, Hill, Calvert, Hellawell (D), Watson, Lyon, Lockwood. Subs: Bray, Willans (Ja), Blamires, Taylor.

Thirds: (v Burley, a, meet 12.45): Noble, Sykes, Moran, Harris, Stephens, Carr, Noble (R), Earnshaw, Wilkinson, Frederick, Miller, Wilson, Kennedy, Rimmer. Sub: Murphy.