Heworth entertain Saddleworth Rangers in the first of back-to-back home fixtures knowing that they must be due a change in fortunes.

Key man: Simon Cornish, who came through his return to action safely.

The Villagers have lost their last three games by just three points - twice to Askam - and it can only be a matter of time before they finally get the reward their performances have deserved.

All those games could have gone either way and had the results been different Heworth would be well clear of the relegation zone.

As it is they still need a couple more victories to secure their National Conference premier division future, and they have the ideal chance to achieve that over the next two games.

Saturday's Elmpark Way clash with Saddleworth (kick off 2.30pm) is followed by a home encounter with point-less bottom club Beverley East Hull which could provide Heworth with the boost they need.

Rangers, fourth in the premier division, are the tougher prospect but, with the title now seemingly a two-horse race between Skirlaugh and West Hull, they have little to play for.

Saddleworth are looking to complete a season's double over the York side after having got the better of a close contest in October by 15-9.

In-form Egremont Rangers face a big test of their credentials when they travel to West Hull, two weeks ahead of their Challenge Cup showdown with York Wasps.

The Cumbrians turned in a scintillating display last weekend to virtually end Oldham St Anne's title challenge with an 18-0 win.

Wasps fans will be interested to see how they get on against second-placed West Hull.

A welcome return to familiar territory awaits New Earswick All Blacks as they host their first game since December 12 against NCL second division bottom club Keighley Albion (kick off 2pm).

Two away hammerings by Eastmoor and Hull Dockers were followed by the postponement of last weekend's fixture at Ideal Isberg.

Now they can get back to winning ways against struggling Albion, who look almost certain to face re-election next season.

It has been a rough ride in recent weeks for the All Blacks, who have been suffering crippling injury problems, but they are boosted by the likely return of two long-term absentees, half back Simon Malarkey and hooker Simon Baynes, who have been out with shoulder injuries.

Also in contention are full back Julian Ramsey, who has been missing with a broken nose, and play-maker Mick Harrison, who missed last weekend's game because of flu.

York Acorn travel to the outskirts of Wakefield to face the daunting task of trying to scale the fortress which is home to Normanton Knights.

Normanton rarely lose at home, so Acorn will need to work hard for each other if they are to come back with the points.

Acorn look likely to be without the Hebblethwaite brothers, Alan and Mark, who are both sidelined, Alan with a knee injury and Mark with an ankle injury picked up in training.

But Acorn will be comforted by the knowledge that key forward Simon Cornish came through last weekend's game unscathed and with no adverse side-effects after a lengthy spell out of action.

Acorn are likely to field a similar side to the one that played so well against Eccles, despite losing 16-4, and if they can put as much effort into this weekend's game then a vital win could be secured in their bid to stay clear of the re-election zone.

One of Acorn's less impressive displays was back in October when they were beaten 24-0 by Normanton at Thanet Road.

York Groves hope to play their first game of 1999 when they entertain Rodley Dragons at Burdyke in the Yorkshire League division three.

The Terriers had to postpone last weekend's game and they will be hoping for an improvement in the weather to ensure the pitch is playable. A pitch inspection will take place tomorrow.

Coach Alan Mitchell has no injury problems and most of the squad appears to have escaped the flu bug.

Groves intend to change their training nights to Wednesday. All players are to contact Mitchell for further details.

Selby Warriors, fresh from last weekend's Yorkshire League second division win over Hanging Heaton, are at home to Prince of Wales.

York Acorn 'A' travel to Castleford to take on Panthers 'A' in the Yorkshire Alliance second division, while New Earswick 'A' are at top of the table Milford.

Heworth 'A' go in search of their first win in the Alliance first division with a trip to league leaders Hunslet Warriors.

York Acorn Ladies are in Challenge Cup action when they visit Barrow, buoyed by their 12-6 league win over Crosfields.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.