HEWORTH ARLC will play in the National Conference League’s new-look division three next year as a punishment for not fulfilling their fixture against Widnes West Bank in September.

An independent disciplinary panel has upheld the decision to demote the Villagers, in accordance with league rules, with the club’s appeal being rejected.

Leigh East, who were already relegated from the premier division, have also been demoted another tier, to division two, due to a non-fulfilment of a fixture.

Heworth finished bottom of divsion two but there was no automatic relegation to the development fourth tier.

NCL chairman Trevor Hunt said: “The NCL has the deepest sympathy for Heworth and the circumstances that saw them unable to raise a team. However, the competition rules are clear.”

Meanwhile, New Earswick, looking to end 2012 on a high, welcome back Sean Malarkey, Jack Carling and Dan Atkinson for their trip to Nevison Leap in the Pennine League championship.

Adam Kirby face a fitness check but Adam Smith is out. The hosts, who switched from the Yorkshire League last term, lie in mid-table.

Selby Warriors host lowly Pontefract SSC confident of bolstering their promotion challenge in division three.