YORK Acorn head to Hull Dockers for a National Conference Premier Division basement battle aiming to make it a first step towards a climb up the table under new coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul.

He took over from Scott Rhodes just prior to the game and saw his side record a first win of the season, 30-22 over sixth-placed Kells last weekend.

"To win was amazing, the week before I had covered for Scott (Rhodes) and taken the team to Wath Brow, we had a four hour bus journey, it was a tough game but we only lost by two points, it showed me what they can do."

The new coach has his work cut out on and off the pitch and is aiming to help his squad either side of the white line.

"Some of the lads have fallen out of love with the game, with not winning, so we are trying to make it fun again. That is in the training we do and afterwards as well.

"On Thursday's after training we have started to do stuff together as a team, we have had takeaways, we might watch rugby in the club or have a barbecue."

Acorn leapfrogged over Hull Dockers with their win last week, having a better points difference, so there is plenty at stake.

Paul-Rientoul is particularly looking forward to the contest at Hull, especially as there are good connections between the two clubs.

"The Hull coach Trevor Penrose is a good friend of mine so there has been lots of banter flying about this week," explained Paul-Rientoul.

"Nic Caldwell, who is helping me out is a former Hull Dockers player. He is also marking the anniversary of the death of his wife, so we will want to do it for Christine."

Acorn will again be without their skipper Tom Hill, who has a knee injury and is waiting to see a specialist. He is a former team-mate of Paul-Rientoul coming through the Acorn set up.

Paul-Rientoul says he is enjoying his coaching too much to think about playing again but added: "But you can never say never."

Paul-Rientoul is keeping his life as a coach varied, after this week the first team have a Saturday off but the coach will be involved in York 'A' team's 40/20 final and will be with them for their York Cup final against New Earswick.

He is also a part of the Yorkshire Men's League coaching staff for a tour of Serbia later this year which also involves three of his players.

The A team, who are second in the Yorkshire Men's League Premier Division ,are up against second bottom West Bowling at Thanet Road.

Heworth continue their Division One campaign at home to Bentley.