AFTER the despair of a controversial defeat at Oulton Raiders, York Acorn seek their first win of 2009 knowing that next up are their bogey side.
Acorn head off to Wigan St Jude’s in the National Conference premier division on Saturday low on confidence and high in the knowledge that though the weekend hosts are labouring at the foot of the table, the York ranks have seldom prospered in one of rugby league’s heartlands.
But there is a hint that a sudden exit could well hasten the demise of Acorn’s poor record at St Jude’s.
Graeme West, the former Wigan Warriors star, has quit his post as St Jude’s coach to return to his native New Zealand.
Declared Acorn coach Alfie Hill: “West’s leaving might have disrupted them and that could help us at a place where we never seem to do well.
“They are our bogey team and at the moment we can’t buy a win. But if St Jude’s are having a bit of a crisis then may be we can take advantage.”
Hill is still smarting at last week’s 28-10 defeat by Oulton Raiders which was marred by two dubious tries for the visitors, though he added his own charges had created enough opportunities to have won.
“We have got to be more ruthless because if we can get a win over there then that will mean we will be definitely safe from the drop.”
Injuries continue to plague Acorn with Ian Brown (neck), Mark Kain (ribs) and Darren Callaghan (knee) all absent and 19-try centre Ben Jones now unavailable through work.
But at least Hill should be able to call on Dan Briggs, who has recovered from a calf strain, while second rower Jason Smith may also be in line for a senior recall after playing for the second string last week.
In complete contrast, Heworth have no injury worries and indeed will be boosted by the return of second row ace Luke Judson for the visit of Hull Isberg on Saturday.
Backed by a run of three successive wins, the Villagers will be optimistic of stretching that to four triumphs against a team propping up the National Conference second division.
However, club spokesman Dave Ward insisted there would be no complacency among the Heworth roster.
He recalled how back in October the Black and Whites needed a late try from Judson to see off a spirited Isberg side at the Boulevard.
“We won’t be talking them lightly,” said Ward.
Heworth ‘A’ are without as game, while York Acorn ‘A’ entertain Doncaster Toll Bar in the Yorkshire League second division.
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