National Conference League division two leaders York Acorn face probably their biggest test of the season on Saturday when they visit promotion favourites Hunslet Warriors.

And their task against the high-flying Warriors has been made harder by the late withdrawals of three key players.

Following Heworth's defeat last week, Acorn are the only side in the division boasting a 100 per cent record after six games, but they come face to face with one of the three teams locked in joint-second place on ten points.

And they will have to do so without Lee McTigue, Rob lee and Alan Willitts.

The most notable and lasting absence will be that of powerhouse forward McTigue, who looks set to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He badly damaged damaging knee ligaments during last week's home conquest over Normanton Knights.

Influential loose forward Lee is unavailable due to work commitments, while centre Willitts is on holiday.

On top of that Acorn will have to give second rower Kenny Embleton a late fitness test on a troublesome leg injury.

Spokesman Paul Lumby said: "All in all, this adds up to not being the best preparations for such an important and difficult fixture.

"Fortunately due to Acorn's thriving strengths in depth it's not all doom and gloom and we will hopefully have a number of replacements capable of filling these breaches."

After missing last week' game due to other commitments, Acorn will welcome back in-form centre Steven Irving, while replacements such as scrum-half Paul Sawyer, second rower Dave Norman, prop Chris Soulsby and centre Andy Lee, who have all got NCL experience, could be drafted in.

They have been proving their worth in the high-riding reserve team, who currently head Yorkshire League division three after four wins from five games.

Heworth are right on the tails of both Acorn and Hunslet and, having lost their 100 per cent start by a single point at Milford Marlins, will expect to bounce back against struggling Cottingham Tigers.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We played well last week and were obviously disappointed to lose 22-21 but we're not feeling too downhearted by it all.

"It's important to bounce straight back when you've suffered a defeat and I think if we play anything like as well as we did last week we should be okay."

The only reported doubt in the Elm Park Way ranks is forward Ian Jones, who is struggling with a shoulder injury.

Acorn 'A' hope to strengthen their grip at the top of YL division three when they entertain local rivals Selby Warriors, who have recorded just one win from three league games.

The Warriors, however, have a cup defeat of senior division side New Earswick All Blacks under their belts and will provide a tough test, especially if the Acorn ranks are forced to lose a few players to the first XIII.

Fresh from their shock defeat of Milford 'A' Heworth 'A' visit lowly Crofton Cougars in YL division four.

New Earswick All Blacks are without a game this week because scheduled YL senior division opponents Upton have dropped out of the league after struggling to fulfil fixtures.

Strangely, Upton's 'A' team look like continuing to play in YL division four.

Updated: 11:47 Thursday, October 04, 2001