It's D-Day for York's two National Conference second division clubs on Saturday when the re-election issue will finally be concluded.

The mathematics couldn't be simpler - if New Earswick All Blacks fail to beat Eccles (kick-off 2.30pm) they will have to apply for reinstatement next season. If they do pull off a shock win, that fate will befall neighbours York Acorn.

All Blacks' unexpected win over third-placed Blackbrook last week has taken the re-election battle down to the wire and there is sure to be a bumper crowd at White Rose Avenue to see if New Earswick can finish the job.

Eccles, who have already clinched the runners-up spot and promotion, will provide difficult opposition but may be caught out as they have nothing left to play for.

Whatever the outcome, a shake-up of the NCL could give the unsuccessful club a lifeline. League chairman Terry Parle revealed they had been receiving information from "independent sources" as to clubs' facilities, junior set-ups, pitches and club houses and as a result eight clubs had been found to be below standard.

He said: "This year we are carrying out a major review of all Conference League clubs' status in regards to their ability to meet the minimum standard criteria.

"In addition to the bottom two clubs, a further eight clubs have been asked to provide substantial amounts of information as to why they haven't fulfilled the minimum criteria this season. We also have five new applications from Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks, Castleford Panthers, Waterhead (Oldham), Hunslet Warriors and West Bowling (Bradford).

The York clubs are not thought to be among the eight in question so they are unlikely to fail in their bid for re-election. Parle explained: "Each application will be judged on its merits and if they are worthy of Conference League status. But there can only be 14 clubs so if there are too many clubs then we will have to look at who's neglected the minimum requirements because there are teams outside the league trying to get in who offer better status than members we've already got."

York Groves are at home to Armthorpe in a mid-table clash in Yorkshire League division three.

In the same division, basement side Scarborough Sharks will be looking to build on last week's draw at Ryhill when they travel to Leeds Social, while Selby Warriors face a difficult home clash with runaway second division leaders Woodhouse.

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