The York and District Accident Cup final takes pride of place in the local amateur rugby league programme over Easter.

York Groves take on Selby Warriors at New Earswick on Saturday (2.30pm) in what will be the first of a 'double header' between the two sides.

They are due to meet again in the York and District Cup final so both will be keen to draw first blood.

Yorkshire League division five side Groves have been gelling well in recent games and with a top four play-off place still possible, confidence is running high.

Selby are three divisions above Groves but their higher ranking is off-set by their poor league form. They are bottom of division two with just two wins from 13 games.

Both sides have injury problems going into Saturday's showdown. Groves' coach Alan Mitchell has ruled out prop Andy Starkey, Martin Simpson and Keith Holmes while skipper Paul Scott and Chris Smith face late fitness tests.

Selby have been hit by injuries to three star pack-men - captain Sean Barker (groin), Andy Rowe (hand) and veteran prop forward Bob Hardy (back). The trio could now be replaced at short notice.

Heworth are the only one of York's National Conference League teams in action this weekend.

They entertain West Bowling on Saturday in another important first division encounter.

The Villagers are still in the relegation zone but could get out the bottom two if results go their way.

Last week's postponement against Millom has given their casualties an extra few days to recover.

Rich Darling was struggling with a bruised knee but should be fit, as should Nikki Wilson.

York Acorn played in midweek when they were beaten 22-16 at Normanton in the second division.

With safety just about assured, Acorn blooded several of their promising youngsters, making the average age of the team just 21.

They performed admirably but were always behind after Normanton stand-off Simon Hill scored a try three minutes into the game. Ian Morse converted.

John Hough and Morse exchanged penalties before Normanton extended their lead. Second rower Paul Seal cut through weak tackling to touch down, Morse adding the extras.

Acorn got their first try on the board when 18-year-old prop Nicky Caldwell crashed over in customary fashion for Hough to convert.

Another Morse penalty made it 16-8 to the home side at the break but Acorn were soon back in it when another 18-year-old scrum-half Johnny Waldron went in for his fourth try in as many games.

Indiscipline proved costly as another penalty gave Morse his fourth goal, then Normanton sealed victory with a try from scrum-half Andy McGowan.

Acorn's teenage winger Shaun Gilmoor had some consolation right at the death, scoring the try of the match after the ball had passed through several pairs of hands.

Captain Lee Frank, second rower Dave Norman and substitute forward Paul Payne were the pick of the Acorn team.

They are next in action on Tuesday when they entertain Milford (7pm).

Danny Liddell (hamstring) and Johnny Waldron (twisted ankle) are their main doubts. Players to meet clubhouse 5.30pm.

Updated: 13:01 Thursday, April 12, 2001