HEWORTH ARLFC player-coach George Elliott is tipping his players to bounce back from last weekend's 'eye-opening' defeat at Batley.

The Villagers, who host Wibsey Warriors on Saturday, suffered their heaviest defeat of the season when beaten 62-10 by a team currently sitting top of the Yorkshire Men's League division one table.

Yet Elliott insists there was no shame in that result and believes the experience can help his side climb the table.

"It was an eye-opener for our lads and it showed us where we need to be," said Elliott.

"We have five or six players who have only just started playing rugby, while Batley are a top of the league side and very well organised.

"We did really well in the circumstances and I couldn't fault the attitude of the players.

"We now know the level of physicality that is needed and the level of communication between players that is needed if you want to progress from an average side to a very good side."

Heworth's next two games are far more winnable affairs against other teams – Wibsey and West Hull Lions A – who also in the bottom four of the table.

Elliott said: "These are more important. If we can beat those two, it can split us from the bottom pack and get us closer to the top teams.

"We have played Wibsey twice already this season and beaten them twice, so no doubt they will feel they owe us one.

"But what happened last week, in front of our family and friends, was a bit embarrassing and we are chomping at the bit.

"We have also got a full-strength team and the lads have reacted really well in training."

York Lokomotive host bottom-of-the-table Allerton Bywater in Yorkshire Men's League division two.

The visitors are still without a point after consecutive defeats in their first four games of the season.

York Acorn are without a fixture this weekend but York Acorn A host Mirfield Stags in the Yorkshire Men's League premier division.

Although Mirfield are next to bottom of the table, they are only two points behind sixth-placed Acorn A with a game in hand.