YORK Acorn ARLC will welcome back Scott Rhodes for their National Conference premier division trip to Hull Dockers.

Former York City Knights half-back Rhodes, who was not back in time for last week’s 30-22 loss to leaders Skirlaugh, has recovered from injury and prop Si Woodsworth is also expected to be fit for the first time this season.

Assistant-coach Darren Callaghan will not risk picking up an injury, however, ahead of his imminent honeymoon.

Acorn currently lie fourth-bottom with just one win from their opening five matches, but an under-strength side gave a good account last weekend and they are hoping to kick on from that, and victory over Dockers would see the Thanet Road men leapfrog the Humbersiders in the table.

Callaghan said: “It will be quite a tough game as is always the case against any Hull team, especially at their place, but we need to build on last week. Skirlaugh were there for the taking and we’ve just been working on tweaking a few things and getting the defence right.”

Bottom-of-the-table Heworth will have another battle on their hands if they are to get their first division one points on the board.

They have been beaten in their opening three games, and now travel to fourth-placed Myton Warriors, who lost their 100 per cent record at Milford on Saturday.

Myton were promoted along with Heworth as division two champions last season and Villagers spokesman Ken Sykes expects a difficult match.

He said: “They’ve started the season well and it will be another tough game for us. We are struggling a bit at the moment although I think the table is a bit distorted as we were heavily beaten by Thatto Heath, who are the top team.

“We will be going there determined to kickstart out season though. We played well in parts against Thornhill on Saturday but didn’t take our chances.

“We had every opportunity to win the game and led 20-4 at the break so we can’t fall away in the second half again.”

Gareth Watson is rated 50-50 with a hamstring problem but Heworth are expected to be at full strength otherwise.

Heworth ‘A’ are without a match, with proposed Yorkshire League opponents Oulton in Yorkshire Cup action. Acorn ‘A’ also have no game.

In the Pennine League, New Earswick All Blacks welcome back club captain Dan Wellard for the trip to premier division rivals Keighley Albion.

Wellard will be making his first appearance of the season after returning from holiday.

Centre Chris Spain and winger Adam Kirby, though, will be on vacation while Jo Hemmings, who made a try-scoring debut last weekend, is a slight doubt with a knee injury.

Spoils were shared between the clubs last season with both sides winning their home fixtures.

All Blacks, though, showed promise last weekend despite opening their season with a 38-18 defeat to Halifax Irish.

Man-of-the-match Steve Perks, Jack Hodgson and Hemmings got the tries and coach Simon Baines is confident his side can overcome Albion having viewed their recent heavy defeat at early leaders Sharlston Rovers.

All Blacks ‘A’ will be bidding for a second successive win when they entertain Halifax Irish ‘A’ in division five.

Coaches Dave Carling and Carl Pallister have called on their charges to cut out handling errors and complete their sets to reduce pressure on the defensive line.

James Sanderson could also be missing with a shoulder strain.

In division four, the top two will meet when early leaders Selby Warriors play host to last season’s division five champions, West Craven Warriors.

Selby, though, will be without their coaching team of Paul Helstrip and Paul Wilson, who are away in Blackpool.

The Warriors ‘A’ team visit Bradford & Bingley Pumas in division seven and are looking for new players.

This level is ideal for older players or youngsters starting out in the game. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm at Selby College.