YORK'S amateur rugby league clubs put their feet up for a deserved festive break, starting this weekend.

The big two, Heworth and York Acorn, have both enjoyed success in the first half of the season, with the Villagers through to meet a professional club in the Challenge Cup third round.

Meanwhile, the Blue and Golds - Heworth's victims in round two - are still pushing hard for promotion, having beaten Heworth in the league.

The two National Conference League outfits restart their division two campaigns on Saturday, January 5. Heworth are at home to Dewsbury Moor, while Acorn make the trip to Millom.

Two days earlier, on January 3, Heworth, along with Northern Ford Premiership York Wasps, will discover who their opponents will be in the Challenge Cup third round.

New Earswick All Blacks have suffered an indifferent time having dropped down from the NCL to Yorkshire League.

As reported in the Evening Press, they have struggled at times to field a full squad of 17. They had to call off their match on Saturday due to a lack of available players, and currently the All Blacks prop up the senior and division one.

The club this week issued a rallying call in a bid to increase commitment, but warned that if things didn't improve, the senior section might be forced to fold.

All Blacks, along with fellow YL outfits Selby Warriors, Acorn 'A' and Heworth 'A' also now enter their seasonal break, resuming on January 5.

The Warriors suffered similar problems to New Earswick earlier in the term, but after rallying round last month, have seemingly got their season back on track and have enjoyed two good consecutive division three victories.

York Groves also look to January 5 for their next fixture.

The Terriers have had mixed fortunes in their first season in the Pennine League but, like Warriors, have enjoyed improved results of later, culminating in their 30-0 thrashing of Park Amateurs 'A' on Saturday to move them into mid-table.

Coach Simon Moat has had to contend with injuries and work commitments limiting his squad selection.

However, as recent results show, these appear to be behind the club, who can look forward to the second half of the season with more than a hint of confidence.

Groves have suspended their lottery draw for over the holiday period, with the next one scheduled for January 3.

All monies will be carried over to this date.

Updated: 11:59 Thursday, December 20, 2001