THE biggest game of the National Conference League division two season comes to York on Saturday when Heworth entertain Wath Brow Hornets.

The Villagers, second in the table, are the only team to have beaten the Cumbrian big-guns in the league this season, and a victory at Elm Park Way will see them leapfrog their title rivals to the top of the pile.

And although Wath Brow have given credence to their early season title favourites tag by rattling up 444 points and conceding only 109 - the best record in the division - in their 11 games, Heworth are looking forward to the challenge.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We realise they're favourites to win the title and their home form has been tremendous. But their away form, although obviously very good, hasn't been as convincing and they had a close match at Milford last week (17-17) so that gives us encouragement.

"They will be keen to reverse the result from our fixture at their place, but after playing Milford they will be looking at us thinking it's another tough game.

"We beat them at their place and we're quietly confident we can make a good fist of it. We know we will have to be on top of our game but if we win we'll go top again, which is another incentive."

Back-row forward Carl Barrow should recover from the bumps and bruises he received in the controversial clash at Widnes St Marie's last week, while Lee Clark should be fit to return, with fellow prop Russ McCardle and full-back Richard Darling available again.

Loose-forward Steve Barnard (shoulder) is still out but Sykes said: "We should have quite a strong squad and we're looking forward to it." Kick-off is 2.30pm.

York Acorn, refreshed from a weekend off, also meet a Cumbrian challenge and will want to put on a good show as they head to basement side Millom.

The Blue and Golds might be facing a long trip to the Lakes but, given the hosts' form of one win from nine games, Acorn will still expect to return with the points.

However, the York side will be without captain Lee Frank after he received a four-match ban from league chiefs following his sending off against Huddersfield Syngenta last month.

Frank was red-carded for fighting with Huddersfield's Mark Cox, who also got his marching orders and was punished further with a five-match suspension.

Frank's fellow utility forward Stephen Waldron is also out injured, but Andy Lee returns after a neck problem.

The squad is likely to be finalised at the last minute as the long trip might see some players ruled out through work commitments.

Acorn spokesman Paul Lumby said: "We will be trying to complete our first double of the season but Cumbrian teams are never easy to beat at home.

"Although we've shown signs of getting back on track, our form has fluctuated. We need more consistency.

"We won't be taking this lightly and it's up to us to get to grips with them in the first 20 minutes and take a hold of the game."

New Earswick All Blacks will expect to progress in the White Rose Trophy away to Crofton Cougars.

The hosts have won only two of seven games in Yorkshire League division three, while in-form All Blacks are pushing for a top-two place in division one.

Selby Warriors, going for promotion in division two, have a vital game away to Normanton Knights 'A'.

Both teams have lost just once in the league this season and both need a victory to close in on runaway leaders Swillington.

York Acorn 'A' entertain Castleford Panthers 'A' wanting a victory to push themselves higher up mid-table of YL division two, while Heworth 'A' have a similar scenario in division three.

York Groves entertain Dearne Valley in Pennine League division four wanting a victory to lift themselves away from the relegation zone.

Updated: 12:20 Thursday, November 21, 2002