Skipton resume their league campaign in Yorkshire Division Two at Malton & Norton tomorrow (3pm) knowing that they need to make it three wins in succession after victories over West Leeds and a Driffield XV.

The game has added imperative as a result of a technical hitch which has resulted in two points being deducted as a penalty for fielding an ineligible player in the game against Beverley.

The Sandylands men lost to the East Riding side, but they have suffered a 'double whammy' because Mike Richards, a recruit from neighbours Wharfedale, was not officially on the books at the time he played.

While the paperwork was en route to league officials, it had not been received when Richards took his place in the team and as a result, Skipton have been docked two points.

With Northallerton and Pocklington still to win a match, the reduction of Skipton's tally to four points from six is unlikely to have lasting repercussions from a relegation standpoint, but it is a bitter blow for the players, who put themselves squarely in the title race when they toppled previously unbeaten West Leeds.

Having used last weekend's friendly fixture with Driffield to give some of their understudies a run-out, the management return to 'normal service' tomorrow when they field what looks to be a full-strength side.

A key change is the resumption of Sean Kennedy at fly-half. He was due back last weekend after a few weeks out of action with a ham-string injury, but opted to take an extra week as a precaution. His return allows Adam Oldfield to take the scrum-half berth.

Kiwi recruit John Settle takes his place on the replacement bench after making his debut last weekend.

The Sandylands men may shortly have an embarrassment of riches in the overseas player department, for another New Zealand 'import', Frank Walker, is due to arrive in Skipton today (Friday). He is a seasoned campaigner, having played centre with the senior side at Hawke's Bay, and arrives with some glowing advance publicity from Hamish Burns.

Walker is keen to develop his coaching skills and could be a very useful addition to the operation if the build-up proves accurate.

Skipton (at Malton & Norton) H Burns; M Beech, D Howson, I Sneddon, P Lacy; S Kennedy, A Oldfield; P Crossman, N King, G Reid-Hughes, G Newhouse, J Morgan, M Boatwright, I Scrivin, M Davison. Replacements: P Jenkinson, A Hill, J Settle.