Heworth and York Acorn kick off their National Conference League campaigns tomorrow, both aiming for promotion from division two.

The two York outfits are among the favourites to be in the shake-up come next May, having both finished in the top five last time, but will find likely rivals in Milford Marlins, third last time, and league newcomers Widnes St Marie's.

Also likely to be in contention will be Wath Brow Hornets, the Cumbrian Cup kings and early title favourites.

The two relegated sides, Eastmoor Dragons and Rochdale Mayfield, might also be keen to bounce back at the first attempt, and the former provide opening day opposition for Acorn in a match which could offer a clue to both sides' chances.

Eastmoor have been a yo-yo side over the past few years, flitting between divisions one and two, and the Blue and Golds, who were in the promotion race for much of last season, head to Wakefield knowing a good start is crucial in their bid to get into the top two this time.

New coach Dave Kay and his assistants Dave Edgar and Darren Crake - the latter having returned to the club from the now defunct York Wasps - have under their wings a young, yet maturing squad, which they believe can improve on last season's fourth place.

Furthermore, the club have not ruled out making some key signings to boost their first-team pool, while they hope the likes of winger Paul Day, full-back John Tattersfield and half-back Craig Fox will fulfil their potential and lay claim to a regular spot.

This week, Acorn will be without wingers Nick Clarke, Alan Willits, Gary Isles and quality centre Gareth Lloyd, who are all unavailable.

Nevertheless, they will still field a strong, experienced side, which could be backed by several emerging players who have impressed during pre-season.

Heworth, who last term finished below Acorn only on goal difference, will hope for two points as they entertain Normanton Knights in a repeat of last season's opener.

The Villagers did the double over the Knights last time, but both were close games and spokesman Ken Sykes reckons this time won't be any different.

"We're not under any illusions about this league in general," he said.

"It's going to be a very tough league, and Normanton will be a difficult opener.

"However, we're reasonably optimistic we can give a good account of ourselves."

Heworth have added former Wasps second row Carl Barrow to their ranks and will kick off tomorrow with a strong side, captained this year by goal-kicking full-back Dave Carling.

Led by coach Phil Sturdy and player-coach Brendan Carlyle, the Villagers - who enjoyed a good work-out in last week's 20-8 friendly defeat to premier division East Leeds - finished last season strongly and will want to continue that form into this term.

But Sykes added: "We don't want to read too much into that as it's a new season.

"How we start it is, therefore, important - especially as we visit Wath Brow next week."

Premier division champions West Hull will start the season with a four-point deduction plus fine, punishment for refusing to play a fixture last season.

They had initially been relegated, which led to a conflict between the NCL and British Amateur RL Association, though that has now been resolved with the club reinstated in the top flight.

Updated: 12:08 Friday, August 23, 2002