BOTTOM club Saddleworth Rangers visit Heworth on Saturday in what is a crucial National Conference premier division clash for both teams.

Although Saddleworth are five points adrift with just two wins from 17 matches, only nine points separate the bottom five clubs.

Victory is therefore essential if the Villagers are to stay clear of the drop zone, especially with trips to league leaders Woolston and Egremont coming up plus a derby at West Hull on Saturday week.

Heworth face major selection problems among the backs as Andy Tindall is unavailable, as is Jack Cregan. Nathan Witty may also be missing on Great Britain Under-18 training duty, while Andy Gabel and Andy Mercer face fitness tests on injuries picked up against Leigh Miners.

One bright spot is the return to full fitness of winger Gavin Grant who has made a successful return after breaking a leg, and after looking sharp in recent reserve games could make a welcome return.

Saddleworth have recently signed powerful centre Mark Billington from neighbours Oldham St Annes, while Lancashire stand-off Emmerson Jackman and winger Chris Arden have been in good form.

York Acorn will be without several key players when they entertain Featherstone Miners Welfare in the second round of the BNFL National Cup at Thanet Road (2pm).

Prop forward Alan Hebblethwaite and winger Kenny Hilton, who both missed last weekend's defeat at Eccles, are still unavailable, while Gareth Lloyd (dislocated thumb), and Kenny Embleton (foot) face late fitness tests. And skipper Darren Callaghan will hope to have come through last night's Great Britain Under-21 international without injury.

Coach Alfie Hill is prepared to dip into the 'A' team pool for cover. Powerhouse centre Chris Batterby could be promoted to the first team squad after hitting top form in recent weeks.

New Earswick have no match this weekend, but tonight's training session has been switched from Oaklands to New Earswick Social Club, at 7pm.

Yorkshire League Division Five side Clifton Moor travel to Hull Dockers, of the National Conference League Second Division, on Saturday in the BNFL National Cup second round. Heworth have received a bye into round three of the competition.

West Bank can climb into mid-table in Yorkshire League Division Two by following up their 12-8 success over Brookhouse with a win at Good Companions on Saturday.

Selby Warriors visit Guiseley in Division Three.

Heworth 'A' are without a Yorkshire League Alliance Division One fixture due to a league administration mix-up, while Division Two sides New Earswick All Blacks 'A' and York Acorn 'A' both face away trips, to Milford and Panthers respectively.

League leaders Acorn will give a fitness test to winger Pete Carr who is suffering from bruised ribs, while second rower Gary Endersby, hooker John Clark, and forward Paul Yoward will be aiming to continue their good form which has helped tale Acorn five points clear of their nearest rivals.

Harrogate follow up their 58-4 defeat by leading Leeds Sunday League side Pudsey Victoria with another tough test against Talbot at Hay-a-Park on Sunday (11am). Admission is free.

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