A NEW start and a clean slate. That's the way Heworth ARLC will approach the National Conference League division two campaign, which kicks off on Saturday.

The Villagers endured an awful season last term, culminating in second-bottom spot in division two and the need to seek re-election to the league which they co-founded back in the mid-1980s.

Re-election was granted, though, and now they head into the new season hoping to emulate the promotion-chasing efforts of 2002-03, when a very similar squad to last year finished third.

The squad will be similar again, with Brendan Carlyle continuing to play on despite having stepped down as coach, plus the signing of centre-cum-second-row Phil Musgrave, 23, from Cottingham Tigers.

Former York Wasps second-row Carl Barrow (pictured right) has signed for arch-rivals York Acorn, but Steve Barnard, who had such an impressive season in 2002-03 before quitting last year for work and family reasons, has been back training, though has yet to decide to play.

As reported by the Evening Press in the summer, Alfie Hill, Carlyle's co-coach last year, will stay in charge alongside Kev Fellows, who has been recruited from Selby Warriors.

"We've got to start thinking with a bit of optimism. It's a new year and a new start," said club spokesman Ken Sykes.

"We're pretty much as we were playing-wise, although we've made one major signing in Phil Musgrave, who's a very useful acquisition. Brendan will also play again. We were hoping he would because he's got a lot to offer and, even though he's 35, he's as fit as ever and played for the Ironsides in the York 9s.

"We had a bad run of injuries last year but they're all fit now and hopefully we will have a better season.

"We're cautiously optimistic, although it's a tough start. Ince Rose Bridge will be one of the better teams, though we're at home so hopefully that will work in our favour.

"We got off to a bad start last year and it seemed things couldn't get going but we're hoping for a good start this year."

Heworth will continue to run an 'A' team despite being unable to fulfil several fixtures last year. Chairman Barry Jackson will co-ordinate the side, who again compete in Yorkshire League division three, kicking off at home to Eastmoor.

The club would like to hear from any interested new players, who can contact the clubhouse on 01904 421075 or Sykes on 554343.

Former York player Chris Hammerton will take charge of the Under-18s, assisted by first-teamer John Coulson. They will play in the Yorkshire Youth League.

Updated: 09:55 Thursday, September 02, 2004