Amateur homour

York Acorn have a two-point advantage and better points difference in the National Conference League division two table but, with four games to go in the campaign, Heworth have an apparently easier run-in.

The Villagers closed the gap on Acorn last week with a defeat of bottom-club Keighley Albion while the Blue and Golds were losing, albeit harshly, to runaway leaders Hunslet Warriors.

And while Heworth take on lowly Cottingham Tigers on Saturday, Acorn must travel to high-flying Crosfields, who are strong favourites to secure the second promotion slot.

A victory for the Blue and Golds would keep promotion mathematically possible, but spokesman Paul Lumby conceded that, even with a win, their chance has gone.

"Promotion is out of the window now," he said.

"We were unlucky to lose last week, and really should have been awarded a match-winning penalty try late on, when the referee only gave a penalty.

"That would have kept us in with a small shout but we're now out of the race.

"However, that match showed we can compete with the best teams in this division and, although we can't get promoted, another season in this division won't do us any harm, especially if the young side continue to develop like they have this year.

"Considering the number of players we've lost to the professional game or to injury, the lads who have come in have proved we have strength in depth, despite a lack of experience."

Johnny Waldron, at 18, is one such player, but his sheer pace and try-scoring ability have proved influential, while 22-year-old former Pocklington rugby union player Carl Stannard, who joined Acorn last month after a trial at York Wasps, has also done well.

"Going to Crosfields will be another big test of character, especially as they need the points for promotion and are smarting from the fact we beat them earlier in the season," added Lumby.

"But we aren't going to slacken off, especially as there is a certain team who are now just two points behind.

"It will be touch and go as to who finishes as the top team in York."

Nicky Caldwell is unavailable while Martin McTigue is a doubt with an arm injury, but brother Lee and second row Dave Norman should be back.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes has played down the importance of the cross-city battle but admitted it did make the run-in interesting.

"It's not the be all and end all and is certainly not our focus," he said.

"All we really want to do is finish the season on a high with some reasonable form. It's quite difficult, though, because there's nothing really to play for.

"With Acorn just above us it does make it a bit interesting, but if they do well it's fine by us.

"It's nice to see two teams from York at the right end of a table."

A few changes are expected to the line-up, with Nigel Wilson returning from holiday and Steve Barnard possibly back after 'flu. Player-coach Brendan Carlyle, who sat on the bench last week because of a slight back injury, should start.

However, Lee Clarke (thumb) and Nikki Wilson (back) are out and Simon Harrison (back) is a doubt.

Sykes added: "We're going to have to play better than last week to win this one.

"Despite their lowly position, Cottingham will be a tough game. They beat us earlier in the season and if they win again it would be a pretty good double for them."

York Groves player-coach Simon Moat is confident his team can pull off their first Pennine League division four double when they travel to Wetherby Bulldogs.

Moat has no injury problems and expects to have back in the side Martin Simpson and Paul Marshall, who both missed last week's excellent display, albeit in defeat, against leaders Elland 'A'.

When Wetherby travelled to York, Groves gave an outstanding second-half performance to come out worthy winners and another victory on Saturday would reduce the gap in the table between the clubs to one point.

New Earswick All Blacks 'A' have no game in Yorkshire League senior and division one.

York Acorn 'A', who have slipped down the YL division three table, entertain Featherstone 'A' hopeful of returning to winning ways, while in division four, Heworth 'A', harbouring hopes of a top four finish, play host to Queenswood.

Updated: 12:26 Thursday, March 07, 2002