TWO old faces are returning to the fold to offer York Acorn a helping hand against top-of-the-table Siddal this weekend.

Former coach Scott Rhodes, who stood down only last month, has agreed to stand in for his replacement Leigh Paul-Rientoul who is away on tour with the Yorkshire Lionhearts.

Hooker Lewis Lord, meanwhile, is available for the first time this season after returning from university.

Lord's availability is a timely boost for Acorn who have dropped back to the bottom of the National Conference League Premier Division.

"It is definitely a tough test for us against a team that has lost only twice this season," said Paul-Rientoul. "But if Lewis is available it could make a massive difference.

"He was one of the best players in our team last season and a number of professional clubs were looking his way.

"If he hadn't gone to University, I don't think he would still be playing for us but now, potentially, he will be back with us for the next eight or nine games."

Lord, 21, has kept his match fitness playing rugby at university and has also represented the England student side.

He has been slightly troubled by a hernia problem, however, and is prepared to play through the pain barrier.

Rhodes' willingness to help out the club has been welcomed by Paul-Rientoul who took over last month.

The 35-year-old was involved with the first team for five years - winning two promotions - but stood down due to the pressure of work and family commitments.

"He has had a break but I asked him if he would stand in as I am unavailable this weekend." said Paul-Rientoul.

Significantly, Rhodes will be assisted by captain Tom Hill whose own playing career may now be at a crossroads due to injury.

The second row forward, 29, requires surgery after snapping anterior cruciate ligaments in a game earlier this season and has been ruled out for 12 months.

It remains to be seen whether he will return to the field after his rehabilitation or concentrate instead on coaching.

Heworth will be looking to make it back-to-back victories when they host West Hull Lions A in the Yorkshire Men's League Division One.

Only two points seperate the clubs in the table and both enjoyed morale boosting wins last weekend.

York Lokomotive, meanwhile, need a return to winning ways as they prepare for a trip to Ossett Trinity in YML Division Two.

A third defeat in a row would leave the sixth placed club four points adrift of fifth place despite having played two more games.