REVENGE is firmly fixed on the minds of York Acorn as they go into Saturday's first derby clash of the season against New Earswick All Blacks (2.30pm).

Acorn lost both last season's encounters without putting up much of a fight and they are desperate to turn the tables on home territory this weekend.

Both sides got their National Conference second division campaigns off to winning starts last Saturday. An injury time drop goal gave Earswick a thrilling 11-10 victory over Normanton while Acorn shocked title favourites Hull Dockers with a 22-10 away win.

Those results will have filled both sides with high hopes of a much more successful season than the last one.

But for Acorn it's that double defeat against their great rivals that is providing the extra motivation.

Spokesman Paul Lumby said: "Last season was a disappointing one, made even worse by the fact we lost both our derby games without really competing.

"New Earswick never beat us on talent and ability but on commitment and desire - which hurt. Derby games are always close, tense affairs with passions running high.

"I don't expect this week's game to be any different, with one exception - a victory for Acorn borne out of character."

New Earswick may have something to say about that, especially given the character they showed in overcoming Normanton.

They picked up only one injury in that match, Nigel Wilson hurting an eye which will keep him out for three weeks. Paul Booth picked up a knock but is expected to be fit, while they will welcome back Rich Harrison who missed the game through work commitments.

There was not such good news for Acorn who sustained several injuries at Dockers. Definitely out are Michael Embleton (dislocated shoulder) and former New Earswick junior Mark Mosey (ankle), while utility player Andy Lee is unavailable due to holiday commitments.

In addition, the Blue and Golds will still be without prop Leigh Marshall (leg) and Paul Dodsworth (suspended).

The squad will be boosted by the return of Great Britain player Gareth Lloyd - who has still not signed professional forms with York Wasps - young stand-off Danny Liddell, utility players Ricky Morrow, Rich Warren and Kenny Embleton plus winger Paul Sawyer.

Heworth will be hoping to bounce back from their 30-6 defeat at Wigan St Judes when they entertain Shaw Cross Sharks at Elm Park Road (2.30pm).

Coach Harold Box said it was a disappointing performance at St Judes who did the basics well and capitalised on Heworth's mistakes.

He is expecting Shaw Cross, coached by former Great Britain scrum-half Deryck Fox, to offer similar kind of opposition. They just missed out on promotion to the premier division last season.

Heworth expect to have Stuart Watson back after missing last week's game through work commitments. Nathan Witty is the only doubt but should be fit.

York Groves get their Yorkshire League division five campaign underway with a trip to Ryhill Hammers on Saturday.

The Terriers just missed out on promotion when finishing fourth last term and are hoping to climb out of the division this season.

Groves' pre-season preparations have been going well under coach Alan Mitchell and assistant Simon Moat. They have had three friendlies and made a number of signings to boost the squad. However, they would still welcome further new players.

Acorn 'A' begin their Yorkshire League fourth division campaign with a trip to Batley Boys (kick-off 2pm).

Youngsters from all over Yorkshire will descend on New Earswick's White Rose Avenue ground on Sunday for a junior rugby league festival.

The tournament features teams between the ages of eight and 12, starting at 11am.

PICTURE: BATTLING BACK: Forward Paul Booth is expecting to beat injury and line up for All Blacks against York Acorn on Saturday

dianne.hillaby@ycp.co.uk