Two international call-ups have buoyed York Acorn as they prepare for the visit of National Conference Division Two strugglers Widnes St Maries.

Centre Mike Embleton returns to the Acorn side for the match with a place in the British Amateur Rugby League Association Under-23 squad to his name, while nippy winger Jonny Waldron has also received recognition with an U21 place.

Both will take on their respective Combined Services age-groups on November 12.

Coach David Kay said: "This is the just dessert for Mike's performances this season and at the end of last season and he has said that injury permitting, he will be back in time to play for us the next day because we have got quite a big game.

"The other thing is that although everyone knows about Mike getting his call-up, Jonny has also earned his in the U21s.

"It's definitely good for the club. The next step for them both is full-blown honours and they both have time on their side to do that and reach their potential."

This weekend will see Acorn take on Widnes St Maries, who upset the form-book with a big 44-8 win over Saddleworth Rangers last weekend.

Said Kay: "They have lost more than they have won but we will not be taking them lightly. If we win, it puts a four-point gap between us and them and it will be good because we really need to be winning the next two or three games."

Heworth go to Huddersfield Sharks tomorrow optimistic of picking up their first win of the campaign.

Boosted by recent new signings, Heworth played much better last weekend in their 32-27 defeat at home to Normanton Knights, who scored two late tries to deny Heworth.

Half back pairing Nicky Dobson, signed from Oulton Raiders, and Paddy Handley, back with Heworth from playing in the professional ranks, plus Shaun Austerfield, who played well in the centre last weekend, are set to turn out again tomorrow.

Wayne Foster, recovered from a shoulder injury, comes back into action.

Club spokesman Ken Sykes said that there are no injury problems and the team are in better shape and optimistic of doing well against Sharks who have scored only one win so far.

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, October 21, 2004