Improving New Earswick All Blacks welcome back infleuntial second rower Lee McTigue for their home encounter with Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks.

The former York Wasp has been the star man for the All Blacks in several matches this season but missed the 28-24 defeat at Cottingham Tigers last week because of work commitments.

His return could be just what New Earswick need to register only their fourth win of the season in National Conference League division two.

The injury-hit squad performed superbly at Cottingham but luck does not seem to be on their side - they have lost their last three games by four points or less.

Rich Harrison could make his first appearance since the early season win over Acorn. He has been unavailable due to various other commitments, including his wedding.

Player-coach Mick McTigue (hamstring) and Nigel Wilson (broken knuckle) are still out while forward Mick Storey is doubtful with a leg injury.

All Blacks are confident the game will go ahead despite the weather.

York Acorn's clash at Crosfields is in doubt but a decision is not expected to be made by the Warrington club until tomorrow.

If the game does go ahead Acorn will want to show an improvement from last week's poor 36-22 defeat at home to Dewsbury Moor.

The result saw them slip a place to fifth in the table but victory on Saturday would see them move back up the table as they would overtake third placed Crosfields.

Kenny Embleton has returned from holiday and is back in contention, as is Paul Dodworth who missed last week's game after damaging an arm.

Heworth have no major injury worries going into their first division match at basement club Askam. The Cumbrian side have a good training pitch so do not envisage a problem staging the match.

Forward Lee Clarke begins his eight-match suspension which he received for his sending off against Leigh East but the two players sent off with him, Anthony Howcroft and Sam Clarke, will be available. They were both handed two-match bans but will be free to play until their appeals are heard.

Carl Potter could be available after being out with a shoulder injury while Jason Gatus, who has had stitches in a leg wound, is on the mend. All games kick-off at 2pm.

In the Yorkshire League, Scarborough entertain New Earswick 'A', York Groves play host to Crown, Acorn 'A' are at home to Garibaldi and Heworth 'A' face Allerton Bywater at Elmpark Way.