A BLAST from the recent past provides the sternest test yet for all-conquering Heworth who embark on a lengthy haul this weekend.

Heworth, just like their National Conference division two rivals York Acorn, have opened up proceedings with an encouraging brace of consecutive victories.

But Saturday represents a far more difficult task as they travel to Cumbria to tackle Millom, who accompanied Heworth on their descent from the first division back last spring.

The Black and Whites have in the past fared well against Millom, club stalwart Kenny Sykes recalling how last season's trek north brought a 7-4 victory for the visitors.

No-one among the Heworth contingent was getting carried away by that result. Said Sykes: "We are expecting a tough game up there. We have always tended to have fairly games against Millom anyway.

"It will be a tough ask to get a win, but everyone at the club is encouraged by the start we have made.

"And if we can win on Saturday then that should set us up nicely as straight after we then have two home games."

A major fillip for the Villagers was being likely to name the same side that did the business to down Hunslet Warriors 30-18.

They will still be without second row prop forward Don Briggs, who is on a tour to Russia with the England Students' squad, but another second-rower Ian Jones could have a big part to play at Millom.

A product of the club's junior system, Jones was accomplished and effective, particularly in a foraging first-half show against Hunslet last week.

Updated: 12:12 Thursday, September 06, 2001