BOSS Scott Rhodes is hopeful York Acorn ARLC’s match at high-flying Leigh Miners Rangers on Saturday can beat the weather – and that his side can continue their improvement with a surprise win.

The entire National Conference programme last week was wiped out by snow and ice and this weekend’s matches are also all in doubt.

But Acorn are scheduled to travel over the Pennines should Rangers’ ground pass a pitch inspection tomorrow, and stand-in coach Rhodes, rather than welcome further respite from a tough campaign, is eager to get back to action against a team at the opposite end of the premier division table.

Rangers have 11 wins from 15 matches whereas Acorn have 11 defeats, but Rhodes’ men pushed leaders Thatto Heath close last time out and the former York City Knights captain said: “I’m hoping the game will be on.

“We haven’t been able to do much training with this weather but I think we’ve been getting better with every game.

“We’ve been doing some good stuff and the players are buying into what we’re trying to do. I don’t think we’re that far away.”

The Thatto Heath loss was preceded by a heavy defeat to Leigh East and a narrow reverse against Hull Dockers. Before that, Acorn won Rhodes’ first game at the helm, against Wigan St Patrick’s.

“I thought it was two points lost against Thatto Heath,” he said. “We were more than capable of winning and with a bit more luck we probably would have done.”

Prop Nick Caldwell remains banned but Rhodes will have more options in the backs as Ben Jones returns from work commitments and Joe Budd from Great Britain Community Lions duty – GB lost to France Under-25s in Carcassone – while Johnny Waldron is close to coming back from a broken hand.

Rhodes added: “Leigh Miners are another decent team but we’ve got a decent record against them. We’re desperate to stay in the premier division and if the game’s on we will give it our best shot.”

Heworth are due to host runaway leaders Hunslet Warriors in division two but, with the Elmpark Way pitch under several inches of snow, the game will almost certainly be postponed.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said no time was a good time to play the title favourites but admitted two weeks off might not be a bad thing for his injury-hit side right now.

He joked: “Maybe we should play them at 5s and 3s and then have a snowball fight – we might have a better chance.”

Acorn ‘A’ are due to visit Sherburn Bears in Yorkshire League division two and Heworth ‘A’ are away at winless Northallerton in division three but both games are doubtful.