YORK Acorn coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul wants to see a better attitude from his players as they prepare for another tough test in the National Conference.

Acorn host leaders Underbank Rangers on Saturday - just seven days after suffering their worst defeat of the season against second placed Hunslet Club Parkside.

Any repeat of last week's 46-0 scoreline could deliver a hammer blow to morale at Thanet Road where pre-season talk of automatic promotion has all but evaporated.

"If we don't turn up with the right attitude, we will be a mid-table division one team this season and we will have to accept that," he said. "But we are better than that - when we have everyone available and we turn up with the right attitude!

"It feels like I am banging my head against a brick wall at times," he admitted. "We trained on Tuesday night and none of the backs were available. It's hard to work on anything when the players are not there."

Only three weeks ago, Acorn appeared to have shaken off a slow start to the season by winning four consecutive games. However, they now face the possibility of a third consecutive defeat and also play third placed Milford Marlins next week.

"It was tough at the beginning of the season as we were losing against the teams at the top," he reflected. "And we were probably playing the weaker teams when we did start picking up the wins.

"We just have to try and find our form again. Our main aim now is to finish in the top six and qualify for the play-offs. I can't see us pushing for first or second place. It's just too much of an ask."

Opponents Underbank have won 11 out of 12 games this season and suffered their only league defeat against second-placed Hunslet last month.

Paul-Rientoul may give a first start to York RUFC captain Chris Fox who impressed after coming off the bench last week against Hunslet. Gareth Singleton and Joe Maud, who have also agreed to switch codes for the summer, are also pushing for places in the squad.

But Acorn will still be missing a host of players due to injuries or unavailability including Tom Hill, Jack Stewart, Matthew Woods, Josh Thompson, and Lewis Lord. Leading try scorer Ryan Gallacher (ankle) is again doubtful.

York Acorn A are still without a win at the bottom of the Yorkshire Men's League division one and visit second-placed Norland Sharks.

Heworth ARLFC will be looking to return to winning ways when they visit Mirfield Stags.

Three consecutive defeats have seen the Villagers dropping to fourth in the table - six points adrift of leaders New Earswick All Blacks who do not play this weekend.

With no first team fixture, the All Blacks will be lending their support to the club's Under-18 side who are in action against Greetland All Rounders in the Reg Rowbottom Memorial Trophy final at Featherstone Rovers' ground.

The game kicks-off at 1pm and seats are still available on the supporters' coach. For more details call Mark Baynes on 07946407032

Leaders York Lokomotive host bottom-of-the-table Wibsey Warriors A in YML division four.

On Sunday, York Lokos Masters make the short trip to Ossett buoyed by a commanding performance in their last game against Crosfields at Bootham Crescent.