YORK Acorn feel this is their best chance to make an historic appearance in the third round of the Challenge Cup.

Acorn entertain Dewsbury Moor on Saturday (kick-off 2pm) in the first round of the famous competition, knowing they have already comfortably beaten the South Leeds outfit twice this season.

Although they are only too aware of the possibility of an upset, the club are already looking ahead to the possibility of pitting their wits against the professional clubs when they enter the competition in round three.

"We have never reached the third round," said club spokesman Paul Lumby. "Looking at our form and a favourable cup draw, then this could be our best chance to reach the third round.

"On our current form we should progress, but cup competition are notorious for upsets and we are taking nothing for granted."

Victories home and away over Dewsbury Moor this season, mean the club will go into the tie brimming with confidence, although there are some question marks over selection.

Cousins Kenny and Mike Embleton, Paul Dodsworth and Lee Frank all face late fitness tests on leg and thigh injuries.

Lumby added: "One area of concern for us is we still feel we aren't playing for the full 80 minutes of rugby that we know we are capable of.

"It is important to get into the groove off playing for the full 80 and putting sides away."

Heworth may have been handed a daunting-looking trip to National Conference premier division outfit Ideal Isberg, but the club will make journey full of confidence.

There may be a two-division gulf between the sides, but Heworth have pushed Ideal the distance in the past.

"We were probably in better nick when we played them about two or three years ago, but they only beat us by a point," said club spokesman Ken Sykes. "They got a penalty in front of the post in the final few minutes."

Having seen their league dreams turn to dust following their defeat at the weekend, the Challenge Cup will give Heworth the chance to show what they really can do.

"Now we know winning the league is out of the question, we will try to win as many games as we can, while still going out and enjoying our rugby," said Sykes. "The Challenge Cup gives us the chance to go to a premier division side to see how we can perform."

Heworth are set to stick with almost the side squad as Saturday, although winger Gavin Grant and scrum-half Chris Hammerton could both come into the frame.

New Earswick All Blacks have a free weekend in the CMS Yorkshire League senior division.

Spokesman Charles Rollinson said: "It is quiet good for us not to have a game, it gives us a chance to recharge the batteries."

Chris Ashton, who would have been unavailable on Saturday with a shoulder injury, is among the players who will take advantage of the break in action.

Following news they cold cease to exist Selby Warriors have had a good response and this Saturday have been given a difficult fixture away to Lock Lane 'A'.

The Warriors, who had an excellent training session on Thursday, will be glad to hear that Lock Lane first team are playing in the Challenge Cup, so they could face a weakened 'A' team.

Selby have donated £50 to local pensioners for their Christmas party.

York Acorn 'A' aim to continue their fine Yorkshire League division three form when they travel to Upton 'A' seeking ton consolidate their top-four placing.

Team selection will hinge on how many first team players come through late fitness tests.

Teenagers Andy Gargan, Robbie Dolan and Jason Harper have been in fine form for the 'A' team this season.

York Groves entertain Wyke.

Updated: 12:06 Thursday, November 29, 2001