YORK Acorn's young team kick off their National Conference League division two campaign on Saturday aiming to prove the doubters wrong - and they have assembled a squad to do just that, writes Peter Martini.

Already dismissed by some as potential strugglers, the Blue and Golds are confident of building on last season's development which saw a number of younger players establish themselves in the first team.

And with the additions to the ranks of some players with professional experience, the club believe they have assembled their strongest squad for some years.

Dependant on contractual obligations, notable returnees could include powerhouse centre Gareth Lloyd and creative stand-off Darren Callaghan, both ex-York Wasps and Gateshead Thunder stars, and former Acorn junior Rob Lee, a stand-off who has had pro' spells at York, Hull and Castleford.

The signing of former New Earswick All Blacks brothers Lee and Martin McTigue - sons of former Salford and Wigan player and ex-All Blacks coach Mick McTigue - will boost the pack, while forward Mark Hebblethwaite and utility back Chris Martin both return after missing last season due to other commitments.

"Despite the loss of second rowers Dave Norman and Stewart Ridsdale to the Armed Forces, we have strengthened the squad considerably plus there is the continued maturity of several promising juniors who are pushing for a regular first team spot," said club spokesman Paul Lumby.

"The consensus of opinion is that this could be the strongest squad we've assembled in years and one that is capable of making a big impact in the league this season."

Under coaches Allan Hebblethwaite and Mick Calam, Acorn finished last season strongly and are aiming to start this term as they left off, beginning with Saturday's home clash with Humbersiders Cottingham Tigers (ko 2.30pm).

Much of their hopes this term will rest on the shoulders of captain Lee Frank and several teenagers who look set to fulfil their potential, which has been nurtured by Acorn's successful youth system.

The average age of the main first team is only 22, with inspirational playmaker Frank, who is equally adapt in either the acting half or loose forward role, being their most experienced player at 25.

Lumby said: "Lee Frank leads by example and if he continues his prolific run of form that brought him numerous man-of-the-match awards last season then this promises to be a good year.

"They are certainly a team who are growing up on their feet and after the initial bedding-in period of the last two or three seasons, everyone at Thanet Road is hopeful they will start to make a real impression on the NCL."

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, August 23, 2001