Win or bust is the task facing York Acorn in their National Conference League division two clash with Ovenden.

York Acorn are looking for another big game from new skipper Lee Frank, right, in their crucial clash with Ovenden

With Acorn third from bottom and Ovenden three points and one place below with games in hand, it is a re-election tussle neither team can afford to lose at this stage of the season.

Earlier in the campaign, Acorn let slip a 20-0 lead to go down 30-20 at Ovenden, a result that could prove fatal if they fail to avenge it at Thanet Road on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).

Acorn have shown improved form of late and if they can put together a sustained, committed 80 minute display then victory should be within their grasp.

The York side could have their first team pool swelled by the return of key prop-forward Leigh Marshall, who came through an 'A' team game at the weekend unscathed after being sidelined for a long time with a knee injury.

Last week's 30-16 defeat at Normanton Knights saw under-18 player Alan Willitts come on as substitute for his debut.

His encouraging performance highlighted Acorn's policy of blooding a number of their talented teenagers before the season's end.

One such player is first team stand-off Danny Liddell, whose excellent displays have attracted the attentions of Super League outfit Wakefield Trinity.

Danny's younger brother, Johnny, joined Leeds Rhinos on his 16th birthday at the start of the season.

Acorn will be looking for another good showing form their new skipper, hooker Lee Frank, who has been in outstanding form of late.

Heworth take on National Conference League premier division basement club Beverley East Hull knowing a win will also significantly ease their relegation fears.

There remains some doubt about the state of the pitch at Elmpark Way but the cancellation of last week's match against Saddleworth Rangers has helped ease injury worries at the club.

Centre Andy Gable should have recovered from a shoulder injury while second row Danny Wright's bruised ribs are expected to have healed.

Jason Gatus is also expected to be fit after picking up a hand injury in a recent game against Askam.

Heworth are certainly due a change in fortunes having lost their last three games by just three points.

With Saturday's visitors seemingly destined for the drop and Wigan St Patrick's six points adrift in the second relegation spot, two wins will go along way to securing Heworth's premier division status.

Beverley picked up their first point of the season just last week thanks to a 16-16 draw with Askam but should provide the perfect opportunity for the Villagers to garner two points.

When the two sides met earlier this season, Heworth ran out comfortable 21-6 victors.

Chomping at the bit York Groves, hope to - at long last - kick-off their 1999 campaign in division three of the Yorkshire League when they entertain Leeds-based Mulberry (kick-off 2pm).

After the disappointment of a string of cancelled games, Saturday's match will be Groves first since December 15.

Player-coach and top try scorer Alan Mitchell expects to choose from a full-strength squad for a game Groves need to win to keep a top-four place in sight.

He will be looking to the talents of pace men Adie Beales and John Rushton, together with the strong running of second rowers Rich Needham and Martin Hodgson, to help secure the win.

In form full-back and prolific goal kicker Neil Walker is also capable of stamping his authority on the game.

It's derby day down White Rose Avenue Way, when York Acorn 'A' travel across the city to play New Earswick All Blacks 'A' in the Yorkshire Alliance second division (kick-off 2pm).

Selby Warriors take on Garibaldi in division two of the Yorkshire League while Heworth 'A', bottom of the Alliance first division, travel to Redhill.

After their last league outing resulted in a 12-6 win over Crosfields, York Acorn Ladies entertain Woolston in division two.

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