A SECOND successive derby double is the target for New Earswick All Blacks as they entertain rivals York Acorn on Sunday (ko 2pm).

A last-minute drop goal by Carl Pallister gave the All Blacks a 15-14 win over Acorn at Thanet Road in the second game of this season.

Since then the two sides have experienced differing fortunes - Acorn climbed to fifth in the National Conference League second division while New Earswick hit rock bottom.

But there are only six points between the sides and a fourth derby win on the bounce - they won last season's meetings 18-10 and 14-6 - could be just what All Blacks need to fire them up the table.

Although Mick McTigue's men have lost their last five games, four of them have been by four points or less and recent performances suggest they are not far away from turning the corner.

While New Earswick's form has been improving, Acorn's has been getting worse. They have lost their last three home games which has damaged their promotion hopes.

However, although their home form has suffered they have yet to lose away which is a record they will be hoping to keep intact.

To do that they must try to match All Blacks' tenacity and commitment which has helped tip the scales in recent clashes.

Acorn welcome back two of their most influential players, stand-off Danny Liddell and centre Andy Lee, who both missed last week's clash with Normanton due to work commitments.

Once again though, they look like being without second rower Darren Crake who faces an operation on a troublesome knee injury.

Fellow second rower Rich Warren faces a late fitness test on a dead leg.

Player-coach McTigue is likely to return for the All Blacks after being out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.

He should have a near full-strength squad to choose from, including Jamie Rhodes who has not played since their last win - a 20-10 victory over Milford on September 30.

Jamie Daniel will come back into contention after a lengthy absence with a neck injury while Simon Baynes should be available again.

Heworth have received a boost ahead of Sunday's trip to division one table-toppers Shaw Cross Sharks (ko 2pm).

Second rower Sam Clarke has successfully appealed against a two-match ban imposed after he was sent off against Leigh East. He was found not guilty at this week's appeal hearing so is free to play against Shaw Cross.

Anthony Howcroft withdrew his appeal against the same suspension before last week's match so he will complete his ban this week.

Scrum-half Chris Hammerton is out after taking a knock in the ribs in the defeat by Featherstone Lions last week. Mark Green could take his place in the half-backs.

The majority of this weekend's matches have been switched to Sunday to avoid a clash with the World Cup final on Saturday afternoon.

The All Blacks' historic Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie at home to Irish side Bangor Vikings next weekend will also take place on the Sunday.