Heworth and York Acorn ARLC's conflicting campaigns could both come down to what happens on Saturday as the National Conference division two season draws to a crucial climax.

Heworth go in search of the two unlikely points they may need to avoid having to seek re-election for the second successive year, while Acorn could remarkably secure the last promotion spot after their bid to go up took another unlikely twist last night, with rivals Waterhead losing the last of their games in hand.

And, ironically, the two York sides will be praying for entirely different results in the Saddleworth Rangers versus Waterhead match, which could seal either of their fates.

For Heworth, this is their last game of term, and coach Alfie Hill said: "The whole season rests on this.

"We don't want to reapply again, it's something we don't want to get in the habit of. We should have been out of this situation weeks ago but we're still in it."

Unfortunately, they couldn't have picked a harder task to end on. They travel to Ince Rosebridge, who need to win their last two games to take the title.

Hill said: "I don't think they'll take the foot off the pedal now they're assured of promotion. They need to win to win the title and that makes it a lot harder for us.

"It's one of the toughest games of the season. All their star players are back and they'll be banking on two points. It's a formidable task and if we win it will probably be the shock of the season. But we will play our best and go for it."

Heworth are just one point ahead of Saddleworth in the battle to avoid the bottom-two re-election zone and, should they lose on Saturday, will need Rangers to also come a cropper against Waterhead.

But Hill said: "The form Saddleworth are in, I can see them winning that game, although obviously I hope not."

Acorn, on the other hand, will be hoping so.

A Saddleworth win, coupled with a victory for themselves at home to mid-table Millom, would mean the Blue and Golds are promoted, lying three points above Waterhead with one game to go.

Conversely, if they lose to Millom and Waterhead win, then their promotion hopes will be out of their hands again. Wins or defeats for both teams will leave it as-you-were going into their last weekend in which Acorn face Crosfields and Waterhead face Ince Rosebridge. And for that reason, Acorn could do with Ince beating Heworth to leave the Wigan title-chasers needing a win in their last match.

Boss Dave Kay said: "It's been a mathematical nightmare trying to work out the various connotations, but it's a little bit clearer now.

"Neither of our two opponents - Millom then Crosfields - have a great deal to play for, but we need to win both. Last night's defeat for Waterhead to Crosfields was excellent news.

"We were hoping Waterhead might slip up and, now that they have, the gates have opened for us. We'll be going all guns blazing but need to keep focused."

Paul Payne begins an eight-match ban after his red card for allegedly kicking out against Normanton, but Kay could have second-row James Morrow and hooker Fran Starkey back.

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, April 28, 2005