Heworth coach Harold Box will know all about the opposition on Saturday as he comes up against his former club Featherstone Lions for the first time since taking over at Elmpark Way.

Box has been involved with the Lions, his home town club, throughout his career and was chairman before moving to Heworth in the close season.

Looking forward to Saturday's National Conference League first division encounter at Elmpark Way (ko 2.30pm), spokesman Ken Sykes said: "It certainly creates a bit more of an edge to the game. Harold has always had links with them and I know he is keen to do well."

Last season the Lions did the double over Heworth, although the match at Elmpark Way was a close affair which the Villagers could have won.

This season the sides are evenly matched, both clubs having won four games with Featherstone just above Heworth on points difference.

Box has no new injury worries although Jason Gatus, Will Neary and Danny Wright are likely to remain sidelined.

Anthony Howcroft and Sam Clarke are free to play despite two-match suspensions hanging over their heads. The pair received the punishments after being sent off against Leigh East but they remain available pending the outcome of their appeal next Tuesday.

If the suspensions are upheld they will miss the Silk Cut Challenge Cup first round tie at the RAF on December 2.

Although it will provide an interesting trip into the unknown for Heworth, they are already counting the cost of the fixture.

The RAF play at Uxbridge in Middlesex and Ken Sykes estimates it will cost the Villagers £700.

"We have never played them before so it will be interesting and a completely new experience. But it could cost at least £700 which is the only disappointment," he said.

New Earswick All Blacks must put the prospect of a high profile Silk Cut Challenge Cup outing and a local derby to the back of their minds as they visit Dewsbury Moor in the second division.

The All Blacks have been drawn to play Bangor Vikings in the first round of the cup on December 2. And with the Vikings becoming the first side from Northern Ireland ever to play in the tournament, the match could attract television coverage.

All Blacks spokesman Charles Rollinson said: "It will be a big day for both clubs. We don't know a thing about them. I think they've got a couple of ex-pros coaching them but apart from that we're clueless."

Next week there's another important date for the All Blacks when they entertain neighbours Acorn in the second derby clash of the season.

But on Saturday they have to concentrate on the less attractive proposition of a trip to mid-table Dewsbury Moor (ko 2pm).

After several narrow defeats, the All Blacks are confident of ending their five-match losing streak to climb off the bottom of the table.

Key forwards Lee McTigue and Rich Harrison should both be available, Nigel Wilson could return after three weeks out with broken knuckles and Trevor Sadler could also be back after missing last week's 14-12 defeat by Hillsborough Hawks through work commitments.

Mick Storey remains doubtful with a leg injury, as does player-coach Mick McTigue who has pulled a hamstring.

York Acorn will be without three of their talented teenagers for their home clash with Normanton Knights (ko 2pm).

Loose forward Michael Embleton will be sidelined for at least six weeks after a freak domestic accident left him with an injured leg. Also missing are prolific stand-off Danny Liddell and improving centre Andy Lee through work commitments.

A late fitness test will determine whether Acorn will also be without hooker Mark Mosey who is recovering from concussion.

They will be boosted by the return of pow0erful prop from the north east, Paul Dodsworth, who missed their last game with an arm injury.

That match against Dewsbury Moor was disappointing for Acorn who were well below their best and were beaten 36-22 at home.

They will need to show a big improvement against Normanton as they have not had much success against the Wakefield side in recent seasons.

In other games, Acorn 'A' entertain Nottingham-based Garibaldi, York Groves are at home to Earlsheaton and New Earswick 'A' travel to Scarborough (all 2pm).

Southlands ARL are holding their annual reunion for all ex-players, members and friends on Friday, November 24, at St Clements WMC, starting at 7.30pm.