SCOTT RHODES would not go as far as saying York Acorn ARLC’s promotion credentials will be put to the test on Saturday - but he was under no illusions of the task at hand.

Acorn host high-riding Kells (2.30pm), a team who have won back-to-back promotions since joining the National Conference League - losing only three matches in all that time.

This season they have a record of played seven won seven and top the first division table as they target a tilt at the elite tier in amateur rugby league.

Acorn sit fourth, with four wins and two draws from eight games, and go into the game as underdogs, but Rhodes reckoned his side had it in them to upset the Cumbrians’ apple-cart.

“It will be a tough test,” he said. “They’ve come through the divisions and all I’ve heard is good stuff about them.

“They’re a big, physical side but they can play as well. They’re unbeaten this year so it’s bound to be a big test for us.

“We know we have to be at the top of our game to beat these.”

Asked if the result would give a clue as to Acorn’s own hopes of going back up to the premier division, Rhodes said: “It might be a pointer but it’s fairly tight at the top. You have to turn up on the day and if you play to your best you’ve got a chance.”

Acorn return to action after a week off which followed a disap pointing defeat to Myton Warriors last time out. Rhodes added: “I know what we can do. We weren’t great against Myton but I’ve seen us when we play well and we can beat teams in this league.

“We will take it one game at a time and see where we end up.”

Josh Mortimer is unavailable but Rhodes says he has plenty of players in the ‘A’ team pushing for call-ups, not least twins Thomas and Stephen Mackley, who are in consideration for spots in the back line.

Neither has played in the NCL for a few years - not since Steven made ten appearances in 2012 - but they have been impressing this year in the reserves.

Rhodes added: “They’ve got stuck in and have been doing really well. I’ve always said anyone who plays well in the seconds will get a chance in the firsts.”

That Acorn ‘A’ team are currently unbeaten in Yorkshire Men’s League division one and on Saturday go to Oulton Raiders ‘A’ looking to maintain that run.

Heworth visit Featherstone Lions ‘A’ in division two boosted by their big win over Normanton Knights ‘A’. York Lokomotive are also away in division three, at Bradford Victoria Rangers.