YORK Acorn ARLC are eyeing a money-spinning Powergen Challenge Cup run - and hope to have all their big guns back for Saturday's big first-round tie.

The Blue and Golds, on the back of last season's first ever promotion to National Conference division one, have high aspirations of reaching the third round of the world's most famous domestic rugby knockout competition for the first time in their history.

That is the stage at which National League clubs like York City Knights enter the fray, and a tie against a professional club is the goal of most amateur outfits.

Acorn face a big first-round hurdle at home to division one leaders Ince Rosebridge and, while a number of first-teamers, including former Knights stars Darren Callaghan and Gareth Lloyd, missed the long trip to Cumberland League front-runners Hensingham last week for the National Cup defeat, joint-coach Alfie Hill was hoping the bulk would be back fresh and raring to go on Saturday.

"We'd want to be at full strength as Ince are a good side," he said.

"It would be nice to have a cup run. It depends on the draw but we have to take one game at a time and with a bit of luck we can beat Ince Rosebridge.

"The league is the priority but the Challenge Cup always gives you a buzz."

Hill pointed out only Callaghan of those who did not play last Saturday had reported for training earlier this week, but added he had confidence in the fringe first-teamers should they be called on again.

"The lads who represented the club last week were very brave and gave an excellent performance," he explained.

"They all raised their game and given the same players, if they raise their game again, we'd have a good chance."

Youngster Davey Burns (facial injury) is out but Lee Frank (knee) will hopefully be okay, while Jimmy Morrow should be among those players able to return to action after university exam commitments.

Heworth, knocked out of the Cup in the preliminary round, have a week off, giving a number of players with niggling injuries a chance to recuperate, and the Villagers' 'A' team also have a break from Yorkshire League action.

Updated: 10:56 Thursday, February 02, 2006