TWICKENHAM is the target for York RUFC as they travel to Aspatria in the quarter-finals of the Northern Division Intermediate Cup tomorrow.

The Clifton Parkers topped pool two after wins over Medicals and Consett and victory over Aspatria would put them one tie from a final at the home of English rugby union.

York coach Sean Bass said: “This is a massive game. It is like a cup final for us. This is the only trophy we have got a chance of winning and we are in the quarter-finals.

“We don’t know much about them, but we have got to concentrate on how we play.”

A 39-15 victory over Selby in Yorkshire One last weekend ended a run of five successive defeats.

Bass said: “We are coming off a good win over Selby in the league last weekend.

“We have had problems with injuries and unavailability, but we are getting a few back now.”

Bass had special praise for forward Sam Thorpe, who made a huge impact off the bench in tandem with Andy Kay against Selby.

He said: “Sam Thorpe deserves a mention.

“He has been a regular for us this season and has been fantastic.

“He’s a tough lad. Him and Andy came on last weekend and really dug in. They put some really good work in.”

Selby are “greedy” for success as they square up to North Yorkshire rivals Scarborough in the semifinals of the Yorkshire Shield at Sandhill Lane tomorrow.

The Swans won the Yorkshire Two title last season as well as the RFU Senior Vase final at Twickenham, and coach Richard Nicholson is seeking a follow up.

“Scarborough is another big game for us and with it being a semi-final there is added spice,” he said.

“You get greedy for more when you’ve had a taste of success and I am sure the players are no different.

“There should be a big crowd there because Scarborough always bring quite a few.”

Nicholson is confident his side can bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at York in Yorkshire One.

“We had a few players missing against York, but that’s not an excuse because they were the better team,” he said.

“We have got one or two players that we are waiting on for this weekend.

“They have trained in the week and we are waiting to see if there is any reaction.”

With the focus on knockout competition, there is no game for York RI in Yorkshire Four.

Pocklington’s first team are without a North One East fixture, but the Panthers entertain Scarborough in a Premier Merit League encounter at Percy Road.

Relegation-threatened Malton & Norton also have a free week as they prepare for the final four games of their campaign.

The Gannock side travel to basement outfit Sheffield in their next game a week tomorrow, while fellow bottom four sides Middlesbrough and Morpeth go head-to-head in their game in hand tomorrow.