Heworth are looking to bounce back from this week's double-whammy and end their National Conference League division two season on a high.

The third-placed Villagers were beaten by arch-rivals York Acorn at Thanet Road on Saturday then yesterday learned that only the top two in the table would be promoted, scuppering their chances of going up.

As reported by the Press, they had hoped that, following the expulsion of Redhill from division one, three division two teams would go up, but league chiefs decided otherwise, and, with Milford Marlins now out of reach and Wath Brow likely to take the title, Heworth, virtually guaranteed third spot, face another year in the bottom tier.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said the players could be deflated but said they would nevertheless want to finish the season on a high, starting with Saturday's penultimate match at Huddersfield Syngenta.

"We were still harbouring hopes and to be honest I don't know how the players will respond," he said.

"But given the disappointment last week against Acorn, the best way to respond is to go to Huddersfield and win.

"We had a bit of a struggle against them in the home game so we know it will be tough but from the players' point of view all they can do is bounce back. Most of them under-performed last week and this is an opportunity to prove themselves."

Definitely out is Steve Barnard, who has retained his place in the Yorkshire squad for Sunday's match against Lancashire (see story below).

York Acorn, on a high after last week's stunning derby victory made it two wins on the trot, do not have an NCL game this weekend so could field a strong squad as the club entertain Selby Warriors in the York and District Cup.

New Earswick All Blacks are also in York and District Cup action as they take on Heworth 'A' aiming to reach their second knock-out final of the year.

All Blacks, already through to the final of the Gordon Teale White Rose Trophy, will be without Jamie Daniel (groin) and Steve Perks (knee) while Adie Robinson (knee) is also doubtful, but Sean Bewley and John Leach definitely return while Mick Harrison (ankle) and Nick Massingham, who broke his leg in October, could also come into contention.

Jamie Rhodes, who is now back in training, is another possibility, while Andy Fletcher and Carl Pallister could also join the squad after returning from a year in Australia.

Jo Jo Hnesh is likely to miss the game, however, after being picked for the Yorkshire squad for Sunday's match against Lancashire (see story below).

York Groves ended their poor run with a 46-6 hammering of Wyke last week and player-coach Simon Moat is looking for the same sort of commitment and conviction for Saturday's Pennine League division four trip to Littleborough.

Moat has several injury worries with the experienced Rich Pollock out with a back problem and Moat himself ruled out for the rest of the season, and he asks that all players make themselves available.

Despite last week's win, the Terriers remain bottom of the table and need to take results from their remaining games to avoid relegation.

Updated: 10:14 Thursday, March 27, 2003