York Acorn will next week kick-off a series of celebrations to mark their latest milestone.

In eight days' time on January 19, it will be exactly ten years since the opening of the clubhouse at their Thanet Road ground.

It also marks the formation of their highly-successful junior rugby and social sections.

The week-long series of events begins next Friday with a reunion for all past and present players, officials, club builders, volunteers and sponsors.

The club are inviting all those who have played a part in Acorn's 27-year history to join in the celebrations, which end on Thursday, January 27, with a performance from rock covers band Guns and Oatcakes at the club.

Tickets are available from the club priced £2.

There will be other activities throughout the week. For more details contact the Acorn club on 01904 330351.

On the field Acorn have not had too much to celebrate, losing their last six matches.

They have been in better form away from home which will be a confidence booster going into Saturday's National Conference League second division encounter at Cottingham Tigers.

A combination of injuries to experienced players, loss of form and the fact it is still a young team have not helped Acorn's progress.

Acorn, who beat Cottingham 28-14 at home in October, will be hoping for another good performance from newcomer Stewart Ridsdel who impressed on his debut in last week's 16-10 home defeat by Keighley Albion.

Andy Dudman and Stephen Irving come back into contention after missing the Keighley match.

Cup fever is gripping York's other two National Conference teams.

New Earswick All Blacks and Heworth both take on professional opposition in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup in two weeks.

The All Blacks can't wait for their moment of glory at Swinton Lions, but in the meantime they have to concentrate on the league.

They are in the re-election zone and have a difficult home clash with promotion contenders Crosfields on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).

Coach Mick McTigue has a few selection concerns. Richard Harrison is missing through work commitments, wingers Mark Tipping and Gary Isles are doubtful with hand injuries, and Adie Robinson has a leg injury.

Captain Jez Petch returns from holiday, Lee McTigue should be available after missing the last two weeks through work and Mick Storey is elevated to the firsts from last week's 'A' team.

Heworth entertain Eccles (2.30pm) in a game between two clubs who have both reached the Challenge Cup third round.

Heworth are at Batley Bulldogs while Eccles will visit Featherstone Rovers. This week the Manchester side turn their thoughts to maintaining their push for promotion from the NCL first division.

Heworth have no injury worries so will field a similar side to that which performed so well to dispose Featherstone Lions in the cup.

Will Neary, out injured since the earlier season encounter between the two sides, put in an impressive performance from the bench. He will be in contention to start.

Also back is Chris Hammerton who missed last week's game as his wife was in labour. Their baby was born Saturday night to cap a fine day for Hammerton.

Heworth will be looking for another rewarding display by three-quarter Gavin Grant who scored their opening try last week to become their leading try-scorer for the season.

It's cup fever of a different kind for York Groves who make their bow in the National Cup.

The Terriers travel to Headingley West in the first round of a competition sponsored by League Express newspaper.

The rugby league publication has agreed a five figure package. A total of 117 clubs have entered the competition with just six teams involved in the opening round.

Updated: 12:15 Thursday, January 11, 2001