SOME of the best amateur rugby league players ever to come out of York are set to put their boots back on in a bid to boost the recoveries of two Heworth players.

Villagers first-teamer Rob "Bosh" Goodall and 14-year-old Gavin Wilson have both suffered horrendous injuries that may prevent them from ever playing again.

But they are set to benefit from a charity match on their behalf between old players from their club and city rivals York Acorn.

Goodall, a former Great Britain Under-23 amateur and Yorkshire junior, suffered serious back injuries and a broken leg in a fall when on holiday in Spain, while Wilson broke his neck in a mountain bike accident.

However, the two clubs are determined to help out and are raising funds to boost both players' bids for a full recovery.

As part of this, Acorn are to send a 'Pastmasters' team to Elm Park Way to play their Heworth counterparts, the 'Has-Beens', on Sunday, August 19 (kick-off 2.30pm), with this over-35s contest to be preceded by an under-15s clash between the clubs (kick-off 12.30pm).

Already some of the national championship and Yorkshire Cup winning players of recent years have committed themselves to play for the Heworth Over-35s side.

But Phil Sturdy, who is raising the team, is still keen to attract as many ex-players as possible to make it a day to remember.

He will also be organising some light training sessions for those who need them, to be held at the club on Thursday evenings. He can be contacted on 01904 416542.

Billy Blackburn is organising the Acorn team and will also be pleased to hear from all ex-Acorn players who would like to take part.

He can be contacted on 01904 330351.

Sturdy said: "We are hoping the two players make a full recovery and things like this to raise funds for them can only help."

Updated: 12:35 Wednesday, July 25, 2001