ELM Park Way could see one of the games of the National Conference League division two season on Saturday as Heworth entertain Milford Marlins.

Both sides have started the campaign in fine form, with Heworth enjoying two wins over difficult opposition, while Milford have twice plundered points - albeit over lesser opposition.

Both are among the promotion favourites and, even at this early stage in the season, the match (KO 2.30pm) could prove crucial.

York Acorn also face a potential cracker as they visit another of NCL division two's top clubs, Rochdale Mayfield (KO 2.30pm).

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We had two close games against Milford last season and I think they will be up there this year."

Much of Milford's team came through the Under-18s a few years ago and, after finishing third last season, they will be looking to do better this time. They are coached by former Leeds star Paul Cook and Peter Jarvis, an old colleague of Sykes' at Hunslet Hawks.

"They've started off in good fettle and this is a big game for both teams," added Sykes.

Heworth have received a blow as loose-forward Steve Barnard is unavailable but otherwise they will have a full strength squad.

Acorn know they will have to up their game again if they are to take anything from Mayfield.

Spokesman Paul Lumby said: "Although we improved on our set of six completion in the home win over Millom, we'll need to improve even more if we are to win at Mayfield."

An additional problem for Acorn is the loss of centres Gareth Lloyd (leg) and Steven Irving (work) and full-back Andy Lee (holiday), while there will be late fitness tests for prop Carl Rollinson (chest) and second rower Carl Stannard (neck). However, stand-off Danny Liddell (knee) is set to return.

Meanwhile, Acorn coach Dave Kay and 'A' team and under-18s counterparts Ian Hann and Barry Gargan are to get their sides using the same game plan.

Kay explained: "Any Under-18s player who is available for the first team or 'A' team and is good enough will be given the chance to stake a claim.

"Obviously if they know the way the first team play then it'll make the transition easier. This also applies to players looking to be promoted from the 'A' team.

"Continuity of playing styles is important for any club where the progression of Under-18s to open age occurs.

"Under-18s pushing for an open age berth mean a healthy competition for places and any coach would advocate that."

New Earswick All Blacks and York Groves will finally get their respective league campaigns underway on Saturday.

Both clubs' opening matches were postponed last week due to the insurance crisis but, this Saturday, All Blacks entertain Batley Boys in division one of the revamped Yorkshire League, while Groves entertain Undercliffe in Pennine League division four.

Under YL restructuring, All Blacks, bottom of the senior division last season, will play in division one, while Acorn 'A' and Heworth 'A' - both of whom are involved in cup action this weekend - are in divisions two and three respectively. Division four has been scrapped.

As reported by the Press, All Blacks, who have enjoyed good results in pre-season, have added former York Wasps stalwarts Alan Pallister and Mick Ramsden to their ranks as they look to bounce back from an awful season.

Ramsden is unavailable on Saturday, however, while Dan Wellard is out injured. Former Wasp Dean Thomas is likely to come in at centre, while Mick Harrison, Steve Sullivan and Paul Raybould come into starting contention.

Groves have enjoyed a good summer, which included their hosting a successful four-team pre-season tournament, while three players were also picked for three sides (York Ironsides, Teesside Steelers and Cork Bulls) in the York Golden Jubilee RL Festival.

Terriers spokesman Paul Boyne added: "The chaos over the BARLA insurance prevented us from beginning our campaign last week (away to Wyke) but at least it has meant we will begin our efforts at home."

The latest pool matches in the York and District Cup will take place on Saturday as York Acorn 'A' visit Selby Warriors in group 'B' and Heworth 'A' travel to Wetherby Bulldogs in group 'A'.

Selby, having lost to New Earswick All Blacks, need to win to stand a chance of progressing, but Acorn will be favourites having beaten All Blacks.

Updated: 12:23 Thursday, September 12, 2002