Struggling Heworth face a crucial relegation battle at Waterhead on Saturday which could make or break their season.

The Villagers, with just four wins this season, are currently lying fourth from bottom of the National Conference League first division, just two points above the relegation places.

Waterhead are one place and two points behind them but have four games in hand.

Defeat for Heworth this weekend would therefore see them drop even closer the dreaded drop zone, while victory would open up a four-point gap.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We've got some crucial games coming up. A week on Saturday it's (second from bottom) Askam at home which will be another four-pointer."

Heworth will be looking for some inspiration in the attacking stakes as they are currently the division's lowest point scorers.

Last week they were beaten 44-0 by Leigh East in the National Cup and Sykes said: "One of the big problems we've got as well as conceding points is that we can't score them.

"It's fairly clear we've got to improve if we're going to make any sort of impression for the rest of the season."

Lee Clarke and Mark Green are both set to return having completed suspensions.

Clarke was sent off in the abandoned league match against Leigh East in October, while Green was dismissed in the November league defeat by Featherstone Lions.

Prop Steve Barnard, winger Andy Mercer and hooker Liam Cochrane, who were all injured in the Challenge Cup defeat by Batley Bulldogs, could also come into contention.

York's two NCL second division sides also have important games at the wrong end of the table.

Acorn go in search of vital points at Dewsbury Moor as they try to stop their freefall.

After an encouraging start to the season they have slipped to fifth from bottom and will drop below Dewsbury Moor if they lose on Saturday.

Earlier in the season they were well beaten at home by this week's hosts, losing 36-22.

One of Acorn's try-scorers that day was stand-off Danny Liddell who is scheduled to return to the side after missing the National Cup win over Blackpool Scorpions to earn a fourth round clash at home to NCL division one side Siddal in nine days' time.

Another of their try-scorers against Blackpool, teenage prop Nicky Caldwell, will not be available having picked up a one-match ban for his sending-off in the match at Cottingham Tigers.

This week Cottingham provide the opposition for New Earswick All Blacks.

An All Blacks victory, coupled with defeat for Blackbrook at home to Keighley Albion, would see New Earswick climb out of the re-election zone for the first time in several weeks.

The Tigers, lying in mid-table, are on a good run of form with John Stabler, son of the former Wasps chairman, one of their main danger men.

But the All Blacks will fancy their chances of avenging a 28-24 defeat earlier in the season.

They welcome back Mick Harrison and Jamie Daniel who were both unavailable for last week's National Cup defeat by Birkenshaw. Trevor Sadler is also back from a leg injury.

Dan Wellard (ankle) and John Leach (dead leg) are doubtful after picking up knocks last week.

* A referees' course is held in York next month for budding rugby league officials.

New Earswick Sports and Social Club, White Rose Avenue, will host the course on March 3 and 10 (9am-4.30pm). For details contact Stuart Evans 01904 789321. The closing date is February 20.

Updated: 12:54 Thursday, February 15, 2001