Opportunity is knocking for several of York Acorn's understudies this weekend ahead of the final match of the season at Rochdale Mayfield, writes Claire Hughes.

Half the regular first-team squad are sitting out for injury, holiday or Yorkshire representative reasons, leaving a large section of the 'A'-string and the under-18s to step up.

Joint coach Alfie Hill said: "More than half of the team will be under-18s or from the second team.

"It's an opportunity for them to show what they have got with a little blooding for one or two to give them a taste of the first team.

"We can't wait to get the season over with after all the games we've had in the last few weeks - you couldn't ask a professional side to do that - but I think most of the lads are also looking forward to the start of next season.

"I think we've had a pretty good season. It didn't quite come together at the end but we've built a platform for ourselves."

New Earswick All Blacks make their last away trip to Huddersfield St Joseph's with Jez Petch and Mark Tipping both back in the squad.

Coach Simon Baynes said: "They are not a bad outfit. They have got a pitch that used to belong to Huddersfield which will be wide, so we will move them about a bit and we're looking forward to it."

Full-back Steve Perks though will be missing after being called up to make his Yorkshire debut on Sunday.

Updated: 09:42 Thursday, April 27, 2006