TWO points for Heworth on Saturday could make all the difference in the re-election run-in -- and the Villagers will be well aware of it as they take on mid-table GMB National Cup semi-finalists Crosfields.

An improved run in the last few weeks has seen Heworth climb out of the bottom three but with Saddleworth having a game in hand and better points difference, the pressure is back on for a result in their final home game of the National Conference division two campaign.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "In reality, if Saddleworth manage to win another game and don't get a heavy beating in their other two they could well end up above us and we really don't want that."

But Crosfields, despite having no league incentives left to pull out the stops, will be no pushovers. "Any team that can get into the semi-final of the National Cup is going to be hard to beat," said Sykes. "I think it's going to be a tough game. They might decide to do play a weaker team but the players could also be playing for semi-final places."

Carl Potter has been soldiering on despite a leg problem in recent weeks, loose forward Luke Judson (pictured) should be back from injury and Phil Musgrave is expected to be fit despite picking up an ankle strain last week. Nikki Wilson, however, is unavailable.

York Acorn are gunning to slay league leaders Eastmoor Dragons for a precious two points in the promotion scramble at the other end of the table.

Last night's victory for Ince Rosebridge at Stanningley means they have leapfrogged Acorn into third place.

Acorn are expected to include Yorkshire duo Johnny Waldron and Adam Endersby, fresh from their recent Tri-Series exploits.

New Earswick All Blacks coach Simon Baynes is calling for his side to stick to the game plan in their last three games as they go for promotion and the Pennine League division two title.

The All Blacks piled on a 60-4 demolition of Silsden Park Rangers last week but Baynes said there was still room for improvement when they face Ovenden on Saturday (2.30pm).

He said: "We didn't go with our game plan on Saturday; we tried to score off every tackle and were all over the place."

Jamie Rhodes will return to the squad after a sore neck, with skipper Jez Petch also back following injury.

Four All Blacks juniors have been promoted to the senior squad with a view to making their debut before the season is out. The under-17s, who are coached by former Great Britain star Gary Divorty, have already completed their league campaign and four of the team signed for the senior squad at training on Tuesday.

Of the four, Tom Hodgson and Liam Gargan, are both in contention for a place on the bench this weekend.

RL RESULTS

National Conference

Premier Div: Wigan St Jude's 18, Thatto Heath 0; Wigan St Patrick's 28, Wath Brow Hornets 22.

Div 2: Normanton Knights 18, Huddersfield Sharks 20; Stanningley 4, Ince Rose Bridge 22.

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, April 14, 2005