THREE wins from the last five matches. That’s what Heworth ARLC spokesman Ken Sykes reckons the Villagers need to achieve promotion from National Conference League division two.

They currently lie third in what is proving to be a superb season under the player-coaching team of Chris Smith and 2008-09 recruit Adrian Leek, but they have some tough matches to come and nothing is safe.

The first of this run-in is at home to Egremont Rangers on Saturday and, while on paper it is one of the easiest of the five, Sykes says they cannot take anything for granted, having lost the reverse fixture earlier in the season – and having seen the Cumbrians beat second-placed Milford Marlins last week to maintain their own faint hopes of promotion. “If we win three, I think we will be certs,” said Sykes.

“We might do it with two, but I think we have to target three.

“It’s not going to be easy, especially with the games we’ve got left. This one (against Egremont) should be one of them, but this won’t be easy either.”

Three wins would guarantee 29 points for the season. Only Ovenden would then be able to deny them the third promotion spot, on points-difference – and Heworth still have to visit the Halifax side.

They also have to face the top two in Myton Warriors at home and Milford away, along with lowly Waterhead away.

Sykes said: “We have some critical games coming up. This is our penultimate home game and it’s a big one for us.

“We need to win but we can’t take anything for granted. We had chances to win at their place but did not play particularly well and lost (28-16, to two converted tries in the last three minutes).

“Egremont tend to win more at home than away but we can’t be complacent. They’re a good side.”

Second place might yet be possible if Milford continue on their slump – they have lost the last three to virtually hand already promoted Myton Warriors the title – but Sykes said that was not the priority.

“It’s strange what’s happened to Milford. They will still probably get promoted but it’s unlikely they’ll get the championship now,” he said.

“It’s mathematically possible (that Heworth could leapfrog them). We’re optimistic we can get a result on Saturday and keep the pressure on them. But, more importantly, we want to keep the pressure on one or two teams below us who could sneak in if we slip up.”

Last week’s free weekend came at a good time for Heworth as it gave Leek and Smith, along with hooker Liam Cochrane, extra time to overcome injuries. All three should be okay to play this Saturday.

Premier division play-off chasers York Acorn have a week off as rival clubs are involved in National Cup action.

Their ‘A’ team also have no game in the Yorkshire League – meaning star first-team hooker Jonny Liddell misses the chance to wipe a match off his controversial eight-game ban.

Third-placed Acorn next week face Hull Dockers – another side with play-off hopes – with boss Alfie Hill saying they need at least two wins out of four to secure a top-six place.

Selby Warriors can boost their chances of finishing third in Pennine League division four with a home win over Stainland Stags, while New Earswick All Blacks ‘A’ host St Joseph’s ‘A’ in division six as that promotion race hots up.