FORMER York Wasps stalwart Andy Precious is set to make his debut for New Earswick as the trophy-seeking All Blacks return to Yorkshire League division one action on Saturday.

The ex-Great Britain Under-21 prop, now 32, retired from the professional game following the collapse of the Wasps last year, after playing 134 games for York and 91 for Hunslet Hawks in a 12-year pro' career.

A product of the All Blacks, he has again returned to White Rose Avenue and, work commitments allowing, will pull on the shirt again as they travel to Kinsley Raiders.

All Blacks will be on a high following last week's White Rose Trophy semi-final victory over league leaders Batley Boys, but they need to get down to business in the league if they are to secure a top three spot which might bring promotion under restructuring of the league.

They will undergo a reshuffle this week as Jamie Daniel, Jez Petch and Nigel Tyreman are all unavailable, while Mick Harrison (ankle) and Steve Harris (back) are ruled out and Steve Perks (shoulder) is doubtful.

Pete Nowell, Steve Sullivan, Phil Johnson, Matt Withers and Shaun Bewley could return, while Matt Godfrey is likely to retake his place after being cup-tied last week.

Spokesman Simon Malarkey said: "We need to get back into the top three to have any chance of moving up, and it will be good to have Andy Precious back."

Heworth's promotion battle in National Conference League division two goes on as they entertain Huddersfield Syngenta.

The Villagers have never faced the West Yorkshire side before - Syngenta only came into the NCL this season, while the scheduled fixture between the sides earlier in the year was called off - and player-joint-coach Brendan Carlyle admits they are an unknown quantity.

"They're a funny side," he said. "They seem to win convincingly some weeks but get hammered other weeks. I can't seem to weigh them up."

They gave one of their better performances last week in beating York Acorn 48-7, and Carlyle added: "Acorn aren't doing too well at the moment but it takes some going to put 40-plus points past any team.

"But then again, we had a good result last week as well (beating Millom 22-10). Some players seemed a bit down after the game because Millom are bottom of the league and maybe they wanted a big win. But in their last two results, against Eastmoor (in fourth place) and leaders Milford, they only lost by four points then by ten points, while we beat them by 12."

In another boost, second-row Carl Barrow looks set to return after injury.

Struggling York Acorn could play a part in Heworth's promotion battle as they take on table-toppers Milford.

But spokesman Paul Lumby was under no illusions about the size of their task. "It will be a tough one," he said. "We're in a bit of a rut at the moment. We've got four difficult matches to play starting on Saturday and if we're not careful we could get dragged into the re-election zone.

"The harsh fact is we lack quality experience in one or two positions, which is crucial at this level. We have an abundance of good young players but they're having to find their own feet.

"But we've had ruts in the past and we will turn it round."

Acorn's woes have been increased with the news that Jonny Waldron is suspended for two games after his sending off against Eastmoor, while Adam Endersby and Adam Willitts are both out indefinitely through injury. Dave Norman is also unavailable this week, while Andy Lee faces a late fitness test.

On the plus side, Paul Dodsworth could come back, as could Stephen Waldron, who has been out for a while with a knee problem, while hooker Robbie Dolan could be promoted after impressing in the under-18s.

Lowly York Acorn 'A' will hope to get maximum points from their YL division two home game against bottom club White Hart & Glaziers. All squad and under-18s players who want to make themselves available should go to training tonight.

Lumby added: "Every so often you get a glut of injuries, suspensions and work commitment and the club has already lost several players, so it's been tough for the 'A' team, but we're looking to turn things round."

Selby Warriors face a difficult division two trip to Featherstone Lions 'A' while in division three Heworth 'A' visit Crofton Cougars.

York Groves could climb off the foot of Pennine League division four if they win their clash at Littleborough. Second-bottom Undercliffe are not scheduled to have a game, and Groves could leapfrog them on points difference if they can glean a victory.

Updated: 09:59 Thursday, March 06, 2003