BASEMENT battles abound in Arriva Trains Conference division two on Saturday as both York's Conference clubs seek points and pride - should the games beat the weather.

York Acorn slipped down to third-bottom last week with defeat to Huddersfield Sharks but have the chance to bounce back away to the team that leapfrogged them, Waterhead.

Second-bottom Heworth, meanwhile, entertain Cottingham Tigers, who are one spot above Waterhead.

Acorn boss Dave Kay, who has seen his side slip up in recent weeks, said: "If we win and Heworth win, we could go two places up the table.

"We took two points off Waterhead at home and have looked at the away game as another potential two points. But they've had a couple of wins and confidence will be higher. It's a tricky one for us but we'll be looking for the win."

Lee McTigue is unavailable through work commitments while youngster Richard Scott, who has impressed since being promoted from the 'A' team, is a doubt after twisting his knee.

McTigue, sent off for allegedly kicking out early on in the defeat to Huddersfield last week, and Andy Lee, sent off a few games ago for dissent, both face disciplinary hearings on Monday.

Heworth's awful injury problems worsened last weekend when Nathan Witty broke his jaw in three places and was ruled out for the season, while Liam Cochrane and Nikki Wilson also suffered knocks and are doubtful this weekend.

Player-coach Brendan Carlyle hopes to have Lee Clarke and Sean Brough back for the Cottingham trip, but nevertheless rues his ever-increasing injury list which has played its part in keeping the Villagers trapped in the re-election zone.

"I've said for the past few weeks we need to pick up points but it's the same old story as regards injuries," he said.

"We've had no luck with injuries and having perhaps three more out this weekend hasn't helped the cause."

In better news for the Elm Park Way club, Heworth 'A' are hopeful of getting back on track, starting this weekend.

As reported by the Press, former Great Britain international and ex-Heworth coach David Watkinson had come back on board earlier this month in a bid to rustle up interest after the reserve side had been forced to cancel fixtures since before Christmas due to a lack of players. And this move seems to be paying off.

Carlyle added: "David came back to try to help the 'A' team out and he's been ringing around quite a lot of the old players and a few have said they will turn out to help the club."

The 'A' team are scheduled to visit Sharlston 'A' in Yorkshire League division three.

New Earswick All Blacks, meanwhile, visit Batley Boys in the Yorkshire League senior division knowing a defeat would see the hosts leapfrog them into fourth in the table.

Missing from last time out is Mark Tipping, but returning are captain Jez Petch, Mark Boitoit and Lee Nelson. The inclusion of Petch and Nelson should give the All Blacks more attacking options than last time out against Kippax, a game they lost 26-12, while Boitoit has been having an excellent season at prop.

Updated: 09:35 Thursday, January 29, 2004