New Earswick All Blacks' young guns will get their first taste of a league away trip on Saturday in only their fourth Pennine League division one match of the year.

Saturday is New Earswick's first away game in the league at Thornhill Trojans 'A'. A tough encounter is expected, but coach Simon Baynes is confident the nine under-21s he has in the squad, including seven teenagers, are up to the task.

He said: "We have got a lot of juniors in at the moment.

"Sometimes you are wary of bringing them in with such little experience but the only way they will learn is by playing.

"Everything we have asked them to do, they've done it, and are proving their worth."

Scrum-half Ben Jones, 21, and half-back cohort Liam Gargan have been particularly influential, while Jack Stearman has shown what he's made of at prop.

Said Baynes: "If you've got a 17 or 18-year-old playing on the wing they are out of the way but at prop you can't hide and he's really done well.

"It's the way forward, it's the future of the club, and there is a good blend with Alan Pallister and Chris Judge adding experience."

Half-back Michael Harrison is out this weekend after part of his windpipe was cracked in a forearm blow during last week's match and will be out until the New Year.

Robbie Beavers is doubtful with a groin strain but Wes Rodgers is back after taking his team of youngsters to play in a curtain-raiser for the Great Britain match last week. Mark Tipping should also be back.

York Acorn are also taking on a youthful front with 11 pack members out or doubtful for their National Conference division one game at home to Thatto Heath Crusaders.

Adam Endersby, Mick Hagan and Lee McTigue are all unavailable, Danny Cauldwell is working, Gary Endersby and Jimmy Morrow are both injured. Replacement hooker Fran Starkey is out after his hamstring went three minutes after joining the fray last weekend and Mick Fitzsimons is still recovering from his broken jaw with Lee Franks struggling with his own injury problems.

There will be a late fitness test on Peter Wallace and Gareth Lloyd's knee will also come under scrutiny.

But despite the lengthy list, team manager Paul Lumby is focusing on the positives.

Martin McTigue, brother of Lee, is close to returning to the game after two years out and could come back at a crucial time in the coming weeks to bolster the waning pack, Lee Tichener could soon be back, while under-18s Karl Harton and Timmy Elliott continue to impress.

Acorn 'A' go to Underbank Rangers in Pennine League division three.

Simon Harrison and John Pinder will both be sidelined for Heworth's trip to second-placed Castleford Panthers in National Conference division two with a bad knee and a bad shoulder respectively.

Said Jimmy Rothwell: "They are at the top end of the league but they are beatable and if we give a good account of ourselves, we will be happy."

Heworth are still awaiting the outcome of a special Featherstone Lions meeting to decide whether or not they will continue this season after seven straight losses, which will inevitably affect the re-election places.

Heworth 'A' are in CMS Yorkshire Alliance Cup preliminary round action at home to Upton.

Dewsbury Celtic host Selby Warriors in a Pennine League division four mid-table clash, with York Groves hosting Woodhouse Warriors in division five.

Updated: 11:19 Thursday, November 17, 2005