MICK McTigue will step down as coach of New Earswick All Blacks in two weeks time.

The former Leigh and Salford professional has resigned from his role at White Rose Avenue due to work commitments.

He is returning to his native Lancashire to continue his job with British Aerospace.

All Blacks spokesman Charles Rollinson said they would struggle to find a replacement of McTigue's ability.

"He has been a tremendous leader on and off the field and will be missed at the All Blacks who will find it hard to find somebody with the same ability," he said.

McTigue has stepped down once before because of work commitments, vacating the role at the start of the 1998-99 season but returning for the start of the following campaign.

New Earswick are now likely to advertise the post and move quickly as McTigue will be in charge for just two more games.

He will lead the All Blacks down to London for Saturday's match against the Skolars then bow out after the home clash with Milford next Saturday.

Ironically his departure coincides with the return of his son, Lee McTigue, to the All Blacks fold.

Lee's professional contract with York Wasps has now been cancelled, allowing him to return to the amateur ranks.

McTigue junior goes straight back into the team to face London as New Earswick look to get back on the winning trail.

After starting their National Conference second division campaign with two wins they have suffered two successive defeats, most recently a 28-8 home reverse by Keighley Albion.

Skolars, last season's wooden spoonists, are still looking for their first points this term.

All Blacks, who did the double over London last season, will be missing Mick Harrison (holiday), Rich Harrison (honeymoon) and Jamie Daniel (elbow injury).

Lee Paterson faces a late fitness test on an injured shoulder while Mick Storey could start his first game of the season after returning from cricket duty.

York Acorn are back in action at home to Castleford Panthers after their blank week caused by the fuel crisis.

Like London, Panthers are also without a win this season and are bottom of the second division.

Acorn's excellent opening day win at Hull Dockers was clouded by two narrow home defeats by New Earswick and Blackbrook but they have showed enough potential to suggest they could still be a force this season.

Acorn will be without prop forward Paul Dodsworth who, having completed a three-match ban, now looks like being sidelined for up to four weeks with a hanstring problem.

Hooker Mark Mosey faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury. Andy Lee and Alan Willitts are back from holiday while forward Darren Crake returns from work commitments.

Heworth travel to Millom on the back of two successive victories.

They had a fine 32-32 win over Eastmoor last week but picked up a couple of knocks - second rowers Sam Clarke (neck) and Dan Briggs (kidneys) are both hoping to recover in time.

Heworth are boosted by the return of Danny Wright who is back from holiday.

York Groves are back in Yorkshire League action on Saturday when they travel to newcomers Shirebrook in division five.

Alan Mitchell's squad should take encouragement from last Saturday's impressive performance when they were narrowly beaten by Oulton 'A' in the Yorkshire Cup.

Groves have a full squad to choose from and welcome back former junior Danny Crampton who has returned to the fold.

Acorn 'A' entertain Castleford Panthers 'A' in Yorkshire League division four. The Acorn second string are still looking to break their duck.