THERE may yet be an escape route for North Ribblesdale out of their relegation slot in Yorkshire One but their fate is in the hands of the two clubs above them.

Wheatley Hills have 12 points, Yarnbury 11 and Ribb have nine.

However, Wheatley Hills have been in freefall lately and have not taken any league points since December 21. They may well struggle in their remaining outings against Brodleians, Crossleyans and Dinnington.

If they do fail in all three, then three more points for Ribb should take them above the Doncaster side on points difference.

To get past Yarnbury, Ribb will have to take the points when the two sides meet on March 29 and then garner one more point than the Leeds side from the other two matches.

For Ribb therefore the equation is simple. They must take something from this Saturday's trip to Pontefract.

It's by no means an impossible task, particularly as the squad is strengthened by the return of Neil Gemmell, Marc Driver, Stuart Evans and Bryan McGeoch although it looks like youngster Martin Hughes will retain the stand off berth following a gutsy display at Ripon.

Skipton will be hoping to avenge a 6-3 home defeat in their first match of the season when they travel to Beverley.

However injuries and other commitments are taking their toll on the squad.

Definitely out are flanker Ian Scriven, who picked up a leg injury against Malton, and scrum half Hamish Burns has still not recovered from a thumb injury. Winger Paul Lacy is again working.

With other injury niggles, Skipton will select from a 19-man squad after last night's training session.