Heworth could have a say in the National Conference first division promotion race when they entertain Featherstone Lions in their penultimate game of the season on Saturday.

The highly-rated West Yorkshire side are in fourth place and just four points behind leaders Ideal Isberg.

They suffered a setback last week when they were beaten by third-placed Oulton Raiders but still have six games left.

Heworth will need to show a drastic improvement if they are to put a spoke in the Lions' promotion push. They have lost their last four matches including a 24-4 reverse of lowly Barrow Island last Saturday.

They have no new injury worries although Dan Briggs, who missed the trip to Barrow with a knee injury, is again ruled out.

York Acorn will be hoping to build on their fine 32-14 win at Keighley Albion when they play host to mid-table Milford Marlins.

The Blue and Golds are looking for a grandstand finish in their final four games to try and secure their re-election to the NCL next season.

They will also be seeking revenge against a Milford side who beat them 12-11 in October.

Acorn's average age is under 25 and the recent performances of younger players like the Waldron brothers Stephen and Johnny, stand-off Danny Liddell, captain Lee Frank, second-rower Michael Embleton, centres Stephen Irving and Gareth Lloyd and hooker Andy Lee suggest brighter times are ahead.

They will give prop Paul Dodsworth a late fitness test on a hamstring problem but are likely to be without second-rower Rich Warren who had stitches in his top lip after last week's game.

Fellow second-rower Dave Norman looks like being unavailable again due to work commitments but forward Darren Crake should be back after missing last week's game through work.

New Earswick All Blacks welcome back Jez Petch from holiday for their trip to Hull Dockers.

The only absentee is Rich Harrison, who is unavailable, but coach Mick McTigue is likely to make positional changes from the team beaten 17-14 at home by Dewsbury Moor last week.

There is little at stake for either side as the best the All Blacks can hope for is sixth place while Dockers look set to finish just outside the promotion places.

l Tom Coomber was detained in Pinderfields Hospital for two nights after breaking two ribs in New Earswick All Blacks Under-18s' victory over Crigglestone.

Coomber was badly injured when scoring one of All Blacks' touchdowns in their 34-12 win.

The All Blacks only played with ten me, but managed five other tries, through Andy Innes (2), Carl Barrow, Paul Raybould and John Taylor. Lee Paterson kicked three goals and Innes two.

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