NORTH Ribblesdale face a trio of vital home games over the next three weeks, starting tomorrow, when York are visitors, and continuing with games against West Park Bramhope and Hull.
At first glance the Yorkshire One table seems cut and dried, with Hull promoted as champions and the two clubs cast adrift at the foot of the table - West Park and Pocklington - taking the two definite relegation places.
However, the geographical identity of the clubs relegated from higher leagues, coupled with the end of season play-off system, means that additional clubs may face the drop.
As a result, Sheffield Tigers, Beverley, York and Ribblesdale all face an anxious time, with only two points separating the quartet, who are in seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth positions respectively. Tigers and Beverley play their final league games tomorrow, with the Sheffield side meeting promotion-chasing Scarborough and Beverley visiting Hull and it may be that neither team can add to their 18-point total.
North Ribblesdale's clash with York is obviously of great importance to both clubs and seems likely to be a tight affair after the sides drew at York earlier in the season.
The relegation permutations are numerous, but what is certain is that the Dalesmen's fate rest in their own hands and if they win their last three games they will finish with 22 points and at least seventh position.
There is also the possibility that two wins could secure the same seventh spot and they might even achieve the same outcome with just a single victory, providing it comes tomorrow.
Hopefully full-back Gareth Evans will be fully fit from a leg injury, while his brother Stuart steps in for the unavailable Simon Spensley on the wing.
In the pack, Russ Howarth is available and a late decision will be made on whether to opt for his experience against the line-out skills of young Sam Boatwright in the starting line-up.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article