LEA Tichener could make his full York Acorn debut on Saturday, hoping it will help relaunch his professional career.

Tichener returned to the amateur ranks with Acorn in the summer having rejected an offer to stay at York Wasps.

But he still believes he has plenty to offer the pro game, while helping Acorn cement their place in the top four of the National Conference second division.

He said: "I still think I have two or three years in the professional game left in me.

"I want to put myself back in the shop window but right now all I want to do is help Acorn and get back to playing rugby regularly, and hopefully stay injury free."

The 29-year-old prop made his first Acorn appearance from the bench against London Skolars last week and helped turn a 14-10 deficit into a 28-14 victory.

His devastating performance in the last 15 minutes could earn him a starting slot for Saturday's home clash with Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks.

'Tich' has been joined at Thanet Road by another York Wasps favourite, winger Leigh Deakin, but he is still recovering from a serious knee injury and is unlikely to play for another two or three weeks.

Soon to be heading the other way is centre Gareth Lloyd who is turning professional with the Wasps.

Acorn are currently on a hot run of form having won their last four matches to take them to fourth in the table. Impressive during that run have been outstanding forward Darren Crake, improving Andy Lee and Stephen Waldron and newcomer John Hough.

The Blue and Golds could climb even higher this weekend as second placed Dockers will find the going tough against leaders Thatto Heath.

Hillsborough Hawks, under the guidance of the Army and Combined Services coach Rick Rolt, have had a mixed start to the season but are just a couple of places behind Acorn in the league.

New Earswick All Blacks have been struggling in recent weeks and they have another tough encounter on Saturday at fifth placed Blackbrook.

Second row forward Carl Barrow has returned to the fold after a spell at Heworth and could make his first start after subbing in last week's 33-6 home defeat by Hull Dockers.

Martin McTigue will play after completing a suspension, while Jamie Daniel faces a fitness test on a neck injury which has kept him out for two weeks.

Heworth are desperate for a win in the first division to help put some space between themselves and the relegation zone.

But they will not find life easy at home to fourth placed Leigh East, who have lost just one game this season.

The Villagers have been boosted by the return of hooker Anthony Howcroft who came on as a sub in their 14-10 defeat by East Leeds last week.

He was unavailable last season because of his University commitments in Nottingham and has missed the early part of this campaign while touring down under with Great Britain students.

Steve Barnard also made his first appearance of the season last week after missing the early games through injury and his honeymoon.

Influential forward Jason Gatus could be ruled out for Saturday's game after needing stitches to a leg wound.

York Groves are injury free going into their Yorkshire League division five clash with Upton 'A' at Burdyke on Saturday (2.30pm).

It will be Groves first double of the season having played Upton two weeks ago in a game which ended 16-16. Poor conditions hampered both teams and the match was marred by mistakes and poor handling.

Coach Alan Mitchell will have several players available who missed the first fixture between the clubs and expects to choose from a full-strength squad.

New Earswick 'A' entertain Scarborough in a north Yorkshire derby, Acorn 'A' are at Mirfield and Heworth 'A' travel to Belle Isle.