New start for Lokos after move from ‘mire

By Ian Appleyard

YORK Lokomotive are looking to celebrate their first game at a new home with victory over West Bowling ‘A’ in Yorkshire Men’s League division four on Saturday.

The Lokos, who are second in the table, have moved to Sim Balk Lane at Bishopthorpe after two years on the Knavesmire.

They had previously shared a home with York RI but are now planning to put down roots.

Club secretary Tom Dunmore said: “Playing at the Knavesmire meant we were often hindered by other events and were never allowed to extend the changing rooms or build a social club.

“Thanks to a partnership with All Saints School, this could be the first step towards making the Lokos a club like New Earswick or York Acorn,” he added.

“Hopefully, we will be able to secure joint funding with the school and improve the coaching and facilities we can offer.”

York Acorn A will be able to call upon a number of first team players for their home clash with West Hull in YML division one.

There are no games in the National Conference division one this weekend and, unlike other teams, Acorn have not entered the RFL Challenge Trophy.

Club captain Tom Hill is expected to play, as he continues his return to full fitness after a rib injury, along with Adam Speck, who was sin-binned last weekend against Featherstone Lions.

Acorn A are still looking for a first point after six games of the season.

Leaders New Earswick All Blacks host second placed Norland Sharks in a top of the table clash at White Rose Avenue.

Heworth, who dropped to third in the table following last weekend’s late defeat against the All Blacks, entertain fourth-placed Skirlaugh Bulls.

George Elliott’s side are boosted by the return of Liam Jackson who was voted Player of the Tournament when representing York and District ARL last weekend against Ukraine.

Masters Rugby League will make its debut at Bootham Crescent on Sunday when the York Lokos Masters entertain Crosfields Masters from Warrington.

Chairman Simon Moat is hoping the game will help bring Masters RL to a wider audience in the city after playing mainly on York’s Knavesmire since forming the team three years ago

“Masters rugby is more about enjoyment of the sport than the competitiveness,” he said.

“It’s played by over 35s and we have a mixture of talent ranging from some who have only just decided to take up the sport to ex-professionals.”

The Masters take part in five ‘festivals’ a year with the next one taking place in Eastmoor, Wakefield, next month.

Sunday’s game, which kicks-off at 1pm, will act as a ‘curtain-raiser’ to the York City Knights’ game against Whitehaven in Kingstone Press League One (kick-off 3pm).

Admission to both games is only £10 (£5 concessions) when bought with a full price ticket.

The Bootham Crescent bar is open from midday with turnstiles opening at 12.30pm.

Anyone interested in playing for York Lokos Masters RL should contact yorklokosmasters@hotmail.com.