Skipton received a welcome boost in the build-up to Saturday's Yorkshire Shield semi-final against Scarborough at Sandylands with the news that key man George Smithson is fit and takes his place at full-back.

That seemed less than likely last week when Skipton's league game at Hull was delayed for a prolonged spell with Smithson prostrate and a doctor expressing concern about possible neck damage."He was quite right to advise extreme caution and we duly took his advice," says Skipton's Chris Windle.

"Obviously any injury which might involve the neck or spine needs to be treated with great care. Happily, while George suffered a bit of rough treatment, the situation was not as serious as it first appeared. There was no serious damage and he's in the team for the semi-final."

Less good news is the fact that No 8 Myles McDuff has damaged stomach muscles and could be out for a while. Tests have confirmed that there is no organ damage, but it could be five weeks before the influential Kiwi is able to resume.

His absence will be a serious blow to Skipton in what is sure to be a major test. Scarborough are flying high at the top of Yorkshire Two, with 17 wins from 19 starts and promotion already guaranteed.

While Skipton have raised their game on more than one occasion this season to get the better of teams from a higher level of the league structure, Scarborough represent the biggest challenge they have faced to date.

A deteriorating injury position is exacerbated by the absence of prop Bob Birks, who is on holiday. Peter Jenkinson moves forward to prop alongside Declan Hayes and Neil King, with Andy Phillip and Adam Winthrop in the second row. Gary Heims comes into the back row at blind-side flanker, with Andy Davidson taking the No 8 berth alongside Ian Scrivin.