HARD-HIT York Lokomotive controversially fell from first to fourth in the Yorkshire premier east division of the Co-operative RL Conference this week – and face a tough task on Saturday to bounce back up, writes Peter Martini.

The Lokos had to call off last Saturday’s game at Knottingley Rockware due to a dozen injuries and the fact several players – employed as doormen – were called into work during York Races.

They had hoped to rearrange the fixture having given two days’ notice, but league chiefs have ordered a 24-0 walkover defeat.

This saw Knottingley leapfrog them in the table, as did Cutsyke Raiders and Scarborough Pirates – the Lokos’ next two opponents.

Cutsyke, who come to New Lane this Saturday, thrashed Walton 80-26 to go top on points-difference.

Club spokesman Bruce Wray said: “It’s the first time we’ve ever had to call off a game and they were exceptional circumstances, but it doesn’t look like the league will let us play it again.”

The Lokos should be okay for this weekend, and Wray added: “Hopefully the team will be fired up. We dropped from first to fourth and the only way we’ll have a chance in the play-offs now is if we win our remaining league games.”

New Earswick All Blacks began pre-season training on Tuesday – wanting to shine as the only amateur club in York playing winter rugby league next year.

York Acorn and Heworth are both switching to a summer season with the National Conference League, following the upcoming interim term starting next month.

The Pennine League, including New Earswick and Selby Warriors, will continue with the traditional winter calendar, and All Blacks coach Simon Baynes is keen to push on to win promotion to the premier division having secured a place in the new championship tier.

He will bank on further progression by the youngsters who broke into the first team last season.

Club spokesman Phil Pallister said: “With a good pre-season behind them, the players are capable of hitting the ground running.”

All Blacks will also be looking to advance the ‘A’ team, who maintained a place in division four last term.

New players are welcome. Training at White Rose Avenue is each Tuesday at 6.45pm.