A HOST of promising young players are learning the hard way as York Acorn ARLC battle against relegation from the National Conference League premier division.

Blue and Golds coach Scott Rhodes accepts his side are favourites for an immediate return to division one, but believes his squad will be stronger for this season’s experience.

The Thanet Road club have lost all seven of their fixtures and on Saturday they travel to Skirlaugh, another side yet to get off the mark.

“We are the underdogs even going into this game,” said Rhodes. “We are a massively young team. We’ve got 16 and 17-year-olds in every week.

“In two or three years we will be okay because they are learning all the time and will benefit from this experience.”

He added: “It may sound strange but, apart from not picking up a win, I don’t think we are doing badly.

“The premier division is a massive step up from the first division. You don’t get any bad teams and if you have any lapses in games they are punished.”

Tom Hill was a substitute against Leigh Miners last weekend on his return from a broken jaw and Rhodes said he could start.

The coach will be without Davey Burns and Ryan Gallagher, but he is hopeful of being able to retain the services of Tyrone Rowe while adding Timmy Elliott to the squad. Joel Johnson is an injury doubt.

Meanwhile, Heworth face a tough task on Saturday at runaway division three leaders Kells, who have won all eight of their fixtures.

The Villagers endured a fourth defeat in seven games at Hindley last weekend, falling away after the sending-off of Jonny Clark in the early stages of the second half.

In-form skipper Chris Varley and vice-captain Adam Jones will again be asked to lead from the front.

Club spokesman Ken Sykes also identified promising full-back Christian Pollock as a potential Heworth star.

Since switching from rugby union Pollock has impressed club officials, scoring a try and kicking two goals at Hindley.

Selby Warriors meet Brotherton Bulldogs in the final of the Selby & District ARL Challenge Cup on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

The Andrew Wells Memorial Trophy is up for grabs in the final at Featherstone Rovers’ Big Fellas Stadium.

The P&S Plate final between Sherburn Bears and Wetherby Bulldogs will be staged as a curtain-raiser, kicking off at 1.30pm.