YORK Acorn will be hoping to put out another fire on Saturday when they visit Castleford Panthers.

The Blue and Golds, who have reversed the fixture following the small fire and smoke damage at their Thanet Road clubhouse on Wednesday, now need to extinguish the flames of the Panthers, who have been blowing red hot all season.

Panthers and Acorn's neighbours, Heworth, are the only two teams in National Conference League division two with 100 per cent records after three games, with the Castleford side on top on points difference having scored an incredible 240 at an average of 80 per match.

A record 134 came in one match, against nine-man Dewsbury Moor, and they followed that up with 78 against Millom last week, centre Peter Thornton notching a NCL record of six tries in one match. They have only conceded 20 points in total at the other end.

However, all three of their victories have come against winless teams at the foot of the table, and Acorn, fresh from their impressive victory at Rochdale Mayfield last Saturday, should prove a different proposition.

Acorn spokesman Paul Lumby said: "We did very well last week so we'll be going into it in good heart, while Panthers have only played teams in the bottom four so you don't know how much to read into their results."

The top of NCL division two looks set to be the most competitive for years, with a number of teams hoping for promotion.

Lumby added: "There are few easy games and this one will definitely test us. We lost to them in the corresponding fixture last season so we'll be determined to get revenge."

Full-back Andy Lee and centres Steven Irving and Gareth Lloyd come into contention after unavailability, though stand-off Danny Liddell is unavailable, while prop Carl Rollinson (chest) will have a late fitness test.

Buoyant Heworth go to Hillsborough as favourites to return with a victory over lowly Hawks, but they will have to cope without captain Dave Carling.

The goalkicking full-back broke a leg in the first half against Milford last week and is unlikely to play again this year. The silver lining is that the break of the fibia just below the knee was a clean one, and Carling will be aiming to return before the end of the season.

Villagers spokesman Ken Sykes said: "It's a big blow for us. Apart from being a decent player, he's also a nice lad and is the skipper this year. But knowing him he will be there supporting the team and hopefully he'll be back as soon as possible."

Carl Potter took over the goalkicking successfully and will be asked to wear his shooting boots again on Saturday, while player-coach Brendan Carlyle might start at full-back. Other options for the number one shirt are Gavin Grant and new 'A' team flyer Alex Kinnonmonth.

Steve Barnard will take his place in the pack after unavailability, while Dan Briggs has returned to Heworth from Hunslet Hawks following the end of their Northern Ford Premiership season and is in contention.

Russ McArdle has also returned to Elm Park Way after his spell with Hull Academy but he is unlikely to figure this weekend.

Sykes added: "The biggest danger for us on Saturday will be complacency. We've had three really good wins over top opposition but we can't afford to step off the gas or treat this game lightly."

New Earswick All Blacks will be looking to get off the mark in the Yorkshire League division two when they entertain Pudsey (KO 2.30).

Jon Paul Wong and Phil Turpin will come into contention in the backs while Mark Boitoit could return in the forwards. Mick Harrison (thumb) and Paul Reybould (back) face late fitness tests.

Pudsey were to begin the season in the YL premier division but asked to be moved down two divisions into division two after a number of players left the club.

Yorkshire League restructuring means the five divisions this season will be premier, senior/one, two, three and four. All Blacks were relegated from the senior/one division last year.

Selby Warriors kick off their YL campaign with a division three clash at home to Ackworth, who have lost both of their league games this term, while in division four Heworth 'A' entertain Stanningley 'A'.

York Acorn 'A', beaten by Selby in the York and District Cup last weekend, will share the bus to Castleford with their first team as they visit Panthers 'A' in YL division three.

Acorn are looking for players to add to their 'A' team pool. Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays (6.45pm) at Thanet Road. Anyone interested should contact assistant coach Darren Rhodes on 01904 797745.

York Groves are without a game in the Pennine League.

Wox's award

RECENT York and District Rugby League Referees' Association awards have seen Stephen Wox, of Huntington, receive the JP Hebblethwaite Trophy for his services to the game in the area.

Two new awards were also presented, Ross Divorty winning the junior referee of the year prize and Shane Daniel the best new referee of the year prize.

Updated: 11:47 Thursday, September 19, 2002