The match of the day in the National Conference first division on Saturday sees third place Heworth go to second place Eccles (kick-off 2.30pm).

It is another big test for the Villagers against a side yet to taste defeat in the current campaign.

Heworth bounced back to form last weekend by consigning East Leeds to their first reverse of the season, despite playing threequarters of the match a man down.

That hard fought 25-14 victory, all the more remarkable because of the sending-off of second row forward Wayne Foster for punching, moved Heworth up to third.

And another two points on Saturday at Eccles could see the York side claim top spot should leaders Ideal Isberg lose heavily at Barrow Island.

Back in contention for Heworth will be prop Jason Gatus, who was unavailable last week but was also suffering from a rib injury that would have ruled him out in anycase.

Loose forward Steve Barnard will also be available after missing the match with East Leeds and in a further boost for the Villagers Dan Briggs, whop plays prop or second row, could also return after shaking off a hamstring injury.

York Acorn have a gilt-edged opportunity to avoid an unwanted hat-trick of defeats in the National Conference second division on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).

Acorn travel to bottom club Normanton Knights, who have lost all of their three games so far.

The York side will certainly be desperate to make a return to winning ways.

After beating Keighley Albion in their opening encounter, Acorn slumped to defeat against NCL newcomers Waterhead before last week's 24-12 home defeat to unbeaten Hull Dockers.

They will be boosted by the return from Hull Sharks' Academy of talented scrum half/ loose forward Andy Lee.

Lee's versatility can see him equally at home in the hooker or stand-off role.

Another player likely to come into contention is former Heworth utility back Nathan Witty while Acorn's inspirational captain, Lee Frank, looks to have shaken off his leg injury.

In a pointer to the likely outcome, Dockers beat Sheffield Hawks 21-12 the week previous and Hawks gained their first win of the season at Normanton's expense with a 34-10 victory last weekend.

New Earswick All Blacks welcome Crosfields to White Rose Avenue (kick-off 2.30pm) with both teams level on four points in the league.

After dispatching of London Skolars, another side yet to register a win, 26-14 last weekend coach Mick McTigue will be looking for more of the same.

Crosfields started the season with a bang winning their opening two fixtures before the Warrington-based side went down 24-8 at Eastmoor Dragons.

In division five of the CMS Yorkshire League, York Groves, without a game last week, travel to Mulberry looking for their first win after losing 20-12 against Mirfield in their opening fixture.

Huddersfield-based Mirfield play host to Scarborough Sharks, who have also lost their only game of the season.

York Acorn 'A', who began their Yorkshire League division four campaign with a 23-16 win at West Leeds last week, welcome North Leeds Cowboys to Thanet Road on Saturday.

Following last week's victory, when Acorn were well-served by the likes of Darren Rhodes, Paul Yoward, Phil Galloway and Andy Bell, the side are confident of a win against a side yet to win so far.

The Cowboys last week lost 36-13 to New Earswick 'A', who go to Leeds Social on Saturday.

In division three, Heworth 'A' at are home to Belle Isle.

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