IT'S a knockout returns to amateur rugby league on Saturday as the BARLA National Cup - now sponsored by GMB - kicks off with round one (kick offs 2pm).

Heworth have perhaps the easiest task of the three local clubs involved, as they travel to Knottingley Rockware, who play in division two of the Yorkshire League.

However, the Villagers, whose last match was the defeat of York Acorn in the Challenge Cup second round on December 15, are not counting their chickens.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We don't know much about them and I'm not sure if we've ever even played them.

"They used to be a National Conference League side, though, and will be no pushovers.

"In a way, the break we've had has been a negative. We really wanted to play last week when the game was called off, but I suppose Rockware are in the same situation.

"We want to continue where we left off against Acorn and put in a decent performance which will stand us in good stead for the big games coming up, including a league game against Acorn and the Challenge Cup match at Batley."

Heworth expect to have a strong squad on duty, with powerhouse forward Jason Gatus available again after recovering from a broken wrist.

York Acorn, who saw their National Conference League division two match at Milford Marlins fall foul of the weather last week, are hoping this week's trip to Cumbria will get the go-ahead and prove fruitful.

The Blue and Golds, who, like Heworth, have gone without a competitive fixture for a month, visit Glasson Rangers but, although they will be slight favourites to progress, they know they will not get an easy ride.

Glasson may be struggling in the first division of the Cumberland League, having won just four times in 11 attempts, but club spokesman Paul Lumby is well aware of the task ahead.

"It is never easy travelling across to Cumbria, it is going to be tough," he said.

"They may be near the wrong end of their division, but it is a very competitive league. Plus they have home advantage, so it won't be easy."

Martin McTigue is expected to return to the Acorn side after a facial injury, while Kenny Embleton faces a late fitness test on his ribs.

York Groves also have a Cumbrian challenge ahead, and will have to be on top form when they take on cup kings Ellenborough Rangers.

The high-flying visitors to South Moor, Huntington lie second in division one of the Cumberland League and have already made it through to the third round of the Challenge Cup, where they were rewarded with a plum tie against Hull Kingston Rovers, York Wasps' Northern Ford Premiership opponents this weekend.

Groves, lying seventh in Pennine League division four, will have to pull off a massive shock to get through, but secretary Ian Colley said: "Player-coach Simon Moat has no injury worries to contend with and, along with the rest of the squad, is looking forward to the fixture."

New Earswick All Blacks, who did not enter the National Cup this year, are without a game this weekend.

Selby Warriors, who have enjoyed a recent upturn in fortunes, are also in cup action on Saturday, entertaining Heworth 'A' in the York and District Accident Cup (kick off 2pm) preliminary round. The Warriors are training tonight, at 7pm, at Barlby High School gym.

York Acorn 'A' will be out to end Hunslet Old Boys' unbeaten run. The Yorkshire League division three leaders travel to Thanet Road in fine form, but Acorn know a victory would help them cement a top-three spot.

Updated: 12:14 Thursday, January 10, 2002