Heworth ARLC are praying home fires will burn bright as they look to get out of the mire in National Conference division two.

The Villagers are stuck in the re-election zone, but, due to a combination of the bad winter, the festive break and away cup ties, have not had a home game since November 13.

Five of their remaining six league matches are at Elmpark Way, however, starting with Saturday’s crucial visit of West Bowling, the only side below them.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: “It will be nice to get in at home again. I think the lads have been getting fed up with the fact we seem to be away every week.

“It’s easier to prepare for matches a home and it’s easier for the players in terms of availability. We should therefore be a bit more competitive when it comes to team selection.”

Mike Welsh and recent newcomers Adam Jones and Dan Walton, both former York City Knights reserves, could be available this weekend after missing last Saturday’s defeat at Elland – the Villagers’ seventh consecutive loss.

Sykes said of the match: “It’s a critical game. If we lose, we go bottom and things won’t be looking too good.

“West Bowling themselves look like they haven’t been playing that badly recently. It’s a big match – that goes without saying.

“Let’s hope we can pull things together and get a result.”

York Acorn are without a game as many teams in the premier division are in Challenge Cup action – and it will hopefully give the Blue and Golds time to regroup.

Acorn are likewise in deep relegation danger, still second-bottom and now out of the BARLA National Cup, too, after Saturday’s 36-10 loss to Yorkshire League side Fryston.

The hosts rattled up 30 points in the first half, with Acorn having no answer to their bigger, physical pack.

Acorn’s only points in that half came from a James Cooper try from a Tom Hill pass, with Cooper getting a second touchdown, goaled by Jonny Liddell, in an improved second period.

Matt Withers, Hill, Cooper and Johnny Waldron stood out for the Blue and Golds, but they will need much more when they return to league action.

Having a happier time, Acorn ‘A’, host Batley Boys in Yorkshire League division two, while Heworth ‘A’ go to Eastmoor ‘A’ in division three.

New Earswick All Blacks are in President’s Cup second round action at West Bowling ‘A’.

The hosts play in division one west of the Pennine League but have only won three out of 13 matches.

The All Blacks will carry out late fitness tests on Ian Henderson, Andy Hensen and winger Jo Stearman.

All Blacks ‘A’ entertain Siddal ‘B’ in a division four relegation battle.

When the sides met earlier this term, All Blacks won 16-0, but if the senior ranks take players coach Carl Pallister may have to play.