YORK Acorn coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul admits that Mick Dobson and Tony Shepherd have the toughest jobs at Thanet Road.

While first team coach Paul-Rientoul is enjoying an improvement in fortunes in the National Conference, his opposite numbers in the ‘A’ team are still without a point in the Yorkshire Men’s League.

Six defeats out of six have left the ‘As’ sitting rock bottom of division one and highlighted a need for new players.

Acorn’s first team, on the other hand, are seeking a fourth consecutive victory at Shaw Cross Sharks this weekend and targeting promotion.

The difference in fortunes is a ‘concern’ for the club but not a priority, according to Paul-Rientoul.

“The main priority at this club is the first team and, as first team coach, I will always steal the best players,” he said.

“You can’t knock the coaches because they probably have the most difficult and frustrating jobs at the club,” he added. “But it is a concern and sometimes it is about getting commitment from players.

“But the Yorkshire Men’s League need to start looking at running leagues that are purely for ‘A’ teams. That would help the competition too.

“It is not easy for an ‘A’ team up against a first team who will always be putting out their strongest side

“And summer rugby has never helped when it comes to attracting amateur players because they always have the distraction of weddings, stag-dos, or holidays at that time of the year.”

“Our main priority is making the first team a success but we still need a strong ‘A’ team to support that and getting new players is tough.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s National Conference clash with Shaw Cross, he said: “They are in a pretty similar situation to us and it is vital now that we keep picking up points.

“Although we have won three on the bounce, those results have not really changed our position in the table. But this is where we can start creeping up towards the top four.

“We play Featherstone next week and I would like us to be going into that game aiming for five in a row.

“We are a young side but we are starting to pick up form.

We are showing better discipline - not mouthing off to the referee, not losing our rag - and its making a difference.”

Acorn will be without the services of captain Joe Budd who is out for two months with a dislocated shoulder suffered against Normanton Knights.

Vice-captain Elliot Bulmer is hoping to return from a back injury and Karl Horton is available after suspension. Leading try scorer Ryan Gallacher is still absent.

“Losing Joe is a massive blow,” said Paul-Rientoul who may ask Matty Chilton to deputise at fullback. “And Karl might have to fight his way back in because others have been playing well in his position.”

Acorn’s ‘A’ team, meanwhile, play host to Skirlaugh Bulls.

Second placed Heworth will return to the top of YML division one if they beat fifth placed Keighley Albion.

George Elliott’s side suffered their first defeat of the season last time out against Skirlaugh Bulls and will be looking for an immediate return to winning ways.

Leaders New Earswick All Blacks, who beat Oulton Raiders ‘A’ to win the Forty20 Cup last weekend, are without a fixture.

York Lokomotive are also without a game in YML division four.

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