Heworth ARLC will renew an unwanted rivalry with Saddleworth Rangers this weekend as both clubs seek their first points of the season.

The pair lie joint-bottom of National Conference division two, both with three defeats from their opening three games, and thus occupy the kind of lowly positions they have become accustomed to in recent seasons.

Saddleworth leapfrogged Heworth out of the re-election zone after the last game of last term and the Villagers will be wanting to avenge that act when the clubs meet atop the Pennines on Saturday.

"It's not gone to plan so far but hopefully this one can kick-start our season," said joint-coach Jimmy Rothwell.

"We had a good game against Stanningley last week despite the result. We played our best rugby this season and hopefully we can progress from that."

Heworth are also looking to recruit now blood next week after losing hooker Liam Cochrane (groin) to injury and seeing a couple of unnamed players show a lack of commitment.

Rothwell added: "Hopefully we can go from strength to strength. I maybe made a rod for myself before the season when I said we could finish in the top four but if we get a bit of consistency I think we can progress."

In-form Heworth 'A' entertain Stanley Rangers 'A' in a top-of-the-table Yorkshire League division three clash.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, September 22, 2005