THE scores are level at one game each and Saturday's big clash is set to decide who is the top amateur outfit in York.

Heworth and York Acorn go head-to-head for the third time this season, as they meet in the National Conference League division two.

Acorn won 29-15 in the previous league clash and lie higher up the table than their rivals, but Heworth took revenge in the Challenge Cup with a 16-14 round two victory, which has set up a third round tie at professionals Batley Bulldogs.

Those games, both at Thanet Road, saw crowds of 500-plus and a similar turn-out is expected at Elm Park Way for the decider.

For promotion-chasing Acorn, the match also gives them the chance to record an historic double over their rivals.

The Blue and Golds had never met Heworth - relegated last term - in the NCL before this campaign and victory will see them record two wins over their old foes for the first time in a season.

Spokesman Paul Lumby said: "I don't think we've ever beaten them twice in a season before, whether it's been in local cups or whatever.

"I don't think we've won at Heworth before either, at least not for a long, long time."

Acorn's win in the first clash was inspired by Rob Lee, while their fight-back in the second was led by his brother, Andy, but both have since joined York Wasps and Lumby reckons this will help Heworth start as favourites.

"We've lost one or two players over the course of the season, and I'd say Heworth have the slight advantage as they won last time and are at home.

"Under the guidance of former player Phil Sturdy and player-coach Brendan Carlyle they've got their season back on track somewhat.

"It's probably too late for them to get back into the promotion race but they're going to be competitive against any team in this division.

"But our young team have shown they can bounce back, and we're confident of doing the double."

He added: "Local derbies are notorious for being close, exciting affairs and both the previous games have been excellent adverts for amateur rugby league.

"They have put the buzz back into the city in the amateur scene and hopefully this will be another exciting game."

For Heworth, the match also offers an added incentive for the players. The Villagers go to Batley Bulldogs for their Challenge Cup third round tie next week and places are up for grabs for that big game.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "There's quite a bit of competition for places at the moment and, with everybody fighting to get in the team to play Batley, that can only be good.

"This is a big game for both sides. They've still got promotion to play for and, although we are probably out of that race now, we want a good performance prior to the Batley game.

"We still want two points - it's better to finish third or fourth rather than eighth or ninth - and we don't want to see Acorn record a league double over us.

"There's obviously a lot of local pride at stake and it will probably be an excellent game."

Lee McTigue should return for Acorn after missing last week's epic National Cup win over Glasson Rangers.

Struggling New Earswick All Blacks will be boosted by the return of Andy Innes as they hope to enjoy a belated happy new year away to Bentley Good Companions.

The match, All Blacks' first of 2002, will see Innes return to the fold after spending last season on trial at York Wasps.

Coincidentally, their opposition's director of coaching is Kiwi Carl Hall, who has starred for Wasps this season.

All Blacks will be eager to claim only their second win of the Yorkshire League senior and division one campaign and avenge a 32-12 defeat earlier in the season.

That game - in which current Wasps trialist Carl Barrow set up a New Earswick try - saw All Blacks trail 22-0 after just 15 minutes, and spokesman Charles Rollinson has said they must be on their guard from start to finish.

"It will be a matter of clocking on for the full 80 minutes," he said.

"They have one or two New Zealanders playing for them, including former Doncaster stand-off Troy Kine, who caused all the damage when they beat us."

Hall, meanwhile, said Good Companions were looking forward to the game, adding: "We played well last week against Dudley Hill and should go all right."

York Groves will hope to complete the double over Undercliffe as they return to Pennine League action following their National Cup exploits.

However, player-coach Simon Moat will be without seasoned campaigner Gareth Hill, who broke his arm in last week's cup defeat by Ellenborough.

The Terriers, who battled hard against the top Cumbrian outfit albeit in defeat, are hoping to take that cup form into the league.

They currently lie fourth-bottom in PL division four, one place above Bradford-based Undercliffe, who they beat 24-20 in November, in Alan Mitchell's final game in charge before stepping down as coach.

Selby Warriors return to Yorkshire League action with a division three trip to Dewsbury Moor 'A'.

The Warriors, resurgent of late, lost 27-26 to division four leaders Heworth 'A' in the York and District Accident Cup last week but will hope to bounce back against Moor, who are below them in the table on points difference only.

Players are asked to meet at New Inn at 12.30pm or at Horse and Jockey Eggborough at 1pm. Training is in the gym at Barlby High School tonight at 7pm.

Heworth 'A' visit promotion rivals Sherburn, while, back in division three, York Acorn 'A' are without a game.

Updated: 11:46 Thursday, January 17, 2002