Heworth have a great chance to get off the mark on Saturday as they entertain basement boys Millom.

Neither the Villagers nor their Cumbrian opponents have any Arriva Trains Conference division two points after six games, with Millom bottom on points difference.

Heworth, though, hope to be on the upturn following last week's more promising display at Huddersfield Sharks, where they were beaten only by a late drop goal.

"Our eyes are on getting off the mark and hopefully it will be this week," said coach Brendan Carlyle.

"I was a bit peeved last week because a win then and a win this week and another the week after against Cottingham, who also aren't doing too well, and we'd be on six points and back in the race.

"I felt we had it won with 15 minutes to go and eight points up but we gave away a few stupid penalties and they came back and nicked it. Carl Potter also had a wonderful chance to win it with a penalty and I would have put my mortgage on him getting it because his kicking has been superb this season, but unfortunately he didn't.

"That's how it sometimes goes and the team were gutted at the end, but hopefully we can do it this week. Millom are coming on a long journey so hopefully that's in our favour and we can get the points."

Forward Carl Barrow might be available this week after missing last Saturday, while Nigel Wilson should be back after dropping into the 'A' team last week due to work commitments preventing him from travelling.

York Acorn face a tougher test than neighbours Heworth as they travel to unbeaten Castleford Panthers.

Cas and the Bobby Goulding-inspired Widnes St Marie's are the only two teams in the division with 100 per cent records and both are level on points with leaders Rochdale Mayfield and with a game in hand.

However, Acorn, looking to bounce back after last week's luckless defeat to East Hull, will be boosted in their quest for a surprise defeat by the knowledge that their ten-point defeat of Eastmoor Dragons a fortnight ago was not bettered by the Panthers last Saturday.

New Earswick All Blacks have a mighty task to get back to winning ways after two successive defeats in the Yorkshire League senior division as they face Hunslet Old Boys.

Both sides were promoted from division one last season, with Hunslet finishing one place above All Blacks and also narrowly beating them in the final of the White Rose Trophy.

They have also begun this season on fire with four wins and 107 points scored from four games.

Derby day is here again in Pennine League division five, where Selby Warriors take on high-flying leaders York Acorn 'A'.

This division also includes York Groves and the nearby Wetherby Bulldogs, so several local affairs will take place.

Selby have won their only league game so far but Acorn have raced ahead with three big wins at an average of 56 points per game.

Groves are not far behind with two wins from three and this weekend they entertain Victoria Rangers 'A' at Archbishop Holgate School.

Heworth 'A', who got off the mark in Yorkshire League division three last week, have a tough task away to leaders Lock Lane 'A' on Saturday.

Updated: 11:01 Thursday, October 02, 2003