A MOUNTING injury crisis has left New Earswick All Blacks with a bare 17 players for their trip to National Conference second division leaders Crosfields on Saturday.

Eight players are either definitely missing or doubtful which has forced them to look for replacements from their 'A' team, which last week had to forfeit their BARLA Yorkshire Cup tie against Thornhill for the same reason.

This week the first team's troubles have been compounded by the absence of in-form Lee McTigue who is in London due to work commitments.

Also out are Lee's brother Martin McTigue who completes a two-match ban from his sending off against Acorn, Paul Booth who could be out long-term with a leg injury, Lee Nelson who has torn knee ligaments and Dan Wellard who has not played since hurting a leg against Acorn a month ago.

John Leach (hand), Jamie Daniel (neck) and Mick Storey (leg) are all doubtful.

The 'A' team are planning to play their Yorkshire League division five match at home to Shirebrook so all players are asked to make themselves available to help the club through the current crisis.

York Acorn have no such worries as they go in search of a hat-trick of wins.

They entertain NCL newcomers Cottingham Tigers who feature former Acorn Under-18s and ex-York Academy player John Stabler, son of the former York Wasps chairman.

Also in their ranks is ex-Hull FC professional Chico Jackson who coaches the Tigers along with Keith Foster.

The only question mark in the Acorn side is centre Gareth Lloyd who is scheduled to play for BARLA Great Britain against a Lancashire select side on Wednesday night.

Improving Heworth face another major test of their credentials on Saturday when they travel to NCL first division promotion contenders Eccles.

The Villagers have come on leaps and bounds since last season and coach Harold Box is confident they can compete against second in the table Eccles.

Heworth's three match winning run was ended in a 12-4 defeat by Siddal last week but Box had no complaints about the performance.

He said: "If we'd played Siddal at the start of the season I think they'd have beaten us easily so it shows how much we've come on.

"My aim was to make them a better side this year so that they could compete next year and I think we're on the right track. I can see a big improvement now from when I took over."

Eccles had two players sent off in their win at Featherstone Lions last week and Box is well aware of their reputation.

"It will be another hard one, they're a very physical side but the lads have responded well in training and are going there full of confidence," he said.

The main injury doubt for Heworth is centre Nicky Wilson who missed last week's match with a back problem. Box is hopeful he will return this week.

Wayne Foster is fit again having recovered from a rib injury with long-term absentee Nathan Witty (ankle) the only definite omission.

Forward Steve Barnard is back in training following his return from honeymoon and is likely to figure in Heworth 'A' team's first match of the season, at home to Allerton Bywater, in Yorkshire League division four.

Acorn 'A' will be hoping to pick up their first win of the season, also in division four, when they travel to Shaw Cross.

In division five, York Groves travel to Upton 'A' while Scarborough entertain Headingley 'A'.

Selby Warriors are aiming for their first division two win of the season at Redhill.

dianne.hillaby@ycp.co.uk