MARCUS Allen is set to return for Heworth ARLC as the Villagers go hunting a precious National Conference League division two win at Crosfields on Saturday.

The centre has missed a large chunk of the season with a broken ankle but is expected to play, along with Adam Jobling, in what is expected to be a tight affair in Warrington.

Heworth went down 10-8 against Crosfields at Elmpark Way earlier in the campaign and, with just three points separating the sides, club chiefs are hopeful of victory.

Ken Sykes, club spokesman, said: “We are feeling fairly hopeful that we can go there, play well and get a win. We need it. They are two pretty evenly matched sides.

“The team is pretty much the same as it would have been last week (when their match against Ovenden was postponed because of a frozen pitch),” he said.

“Adam Jobling would have played then and he is available as is Marcus Allen who has been out with a broken ankle for a while. He is a good player for us.

“Two points would be very handy. We want to avoid that bottom two situation – and if the teams below us get another two points we would move toward the bottom.

“A good two points (against Crosfields) would take us away from that.”

Meanwhile, York Acorn will be hoping it is third time lucky as they once more try to play their Challenge Cup first round match against Milford Marlins at Thanet Road (kick off 1.30pm).

Twice the weather has intervened to halt coach Scott Rhodes and his men and Skirlaugh await the winners of the tie in round two.

New Earswick All Blacks host Ossett Trinity in Pennine League division one east (ko 2.30pm).

Club spokesman Phil Pallister said of the table-toppers: “We cannot rest on our laurels.”

All Blacks ‘A’ visit Halifax side Siddal ‘B’.

Selby Warriors’ quest for a trophy continues when they host Brotherton Bulldogs in the Selby and District Challenge Cup (kick off 2pm).

Selby Warriors ‘A’, who lost 32-14 to Wetherby last week, will look to make amends against table toppers Moldgreen in Pennine League division seven.