BOTTOM club New Earswick face a tough penultimate match in Yorkshire League senior division as they visit second-placed Drighlington on Saturday, writes Peter Martini.

All Blacks spokesman Charles Rollinson said: "They've had some big wins in the last few weeks so it's definitely a tough one. But we'll give it our best shot."

York Groves complete their first season in the Pennine League with a division four trip to Siddal. The Terriers could leapfrog Siddal into seventh if they win.

With Heworth and York Acorn's National Conference League programmes complete, the spotlight falls on the Yorkshire League.

Heworth 'A' continue their push for a top four spot in division four with a trip to East Leeds 'A'. Easts are one point above the Villagers with a game in hand, so a win for Heworth is vital.

Acorn 'A' face a tough trip to Crofton, who lie second in division three. The Blue and Golds' young team go into their penultimate match on the back of a good victory over Dewsbury Moor 'A'.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, Selby Warriors' division three campaign has come to a premature conclusion after Saturday's opponents, Featherstone Lions 'A', conceded their remaining fixtures.

The Warriors therefore end their season with nine wins from 22 games, drawing level on points with Acorn 'A' in mid-table.

Meanwhile, Steve Barnard was the toast of Heworth after starring for Yorkshire in their 22-18 win over Lancashire, which wrapped up the White Rose's County Championship conquest.

Updated: 12:11 Thursday, April 18, 2002