HEWORTH ARLC coach Scott Rhodes has warned that his side will "take some beating" once at full strength - which this weekend's break will only help.

The Villagers bagged their first win back in the National Conference League last weekend, beating division three rivals Gateshead Storm 22-16.

On Saturday, Heworth have no game because scheduled opponents Drighlington have a team contesting the winter Pennine League's finals day. The game has been moved to Thursday, July 25.

However, Rhodes is not worried about this disrupting the Black and Whites' momentum.

He said: "Because we've struggled with injuries and unavailability, it gives us more chance to get bodies on the field.

"We started the season low on numbers. The first three games, we had between one and 11 players missing. It was freakish really. We had players not available, a metatarsal injury, broken ribs and ACL ligament injuries.

"We're starting to get bodies back and we're near enough full-strength. The break gives people carrying knocks a chance to get over them.

"If we're 100 per cent full-strength, we'll take some beating. If I can consistently pick my best side week in, week out, we'll win more than we lose."

Heworth's tally of one win from four could - and possibly should - be higher, believes Rhodes, who was disappointed with their defeats to Eastmoor Dragons (40-28) and Woolston Rovers (20-16).

"We struggled in those first three games due to numbers and quality," he said.

"Leigh East beat us quite easily. We were leading 28-24 at half-time against Eastmoor and they came back and beat us in a game we should have won. Woolston was tight all the way and I thought we could have nicked it in the last five or 10 minutes. That's two games we should have won.

"I think that's just the way the NCL is. It's a tough league and you've got to play all game, you can't only play half of it, and if you're not on it, other teams are quite happy to take you.

"Realistically, we should be three wins from four, but we're not. We didn't have the composure to win those two."

With key players Gareth Watson, Adam Dent and Joe Deighton all nearing fitness, Rhodes is looking forward to next Saturday's (March 30) fixture.

He said: "We'll be fit and raring to go against Hunslet Warriors. They're another tough side.

"In the league, there are no teams running away with it, it's all tight and even. Everyone's beating each other. Each game is a good contest for each team and each team is going in thinking 'we can win this'.

"We came into the season without a pre-season friendly. We had new players in key areas and key players missing.

"It was a bit of a learning curve, the first three games, and the players needed games before. It was tough but hopefully we've learned from that.

"We played well last weekend, we got stuck in and defended well and the attack looks to be getting where it should be.

"It was a deserved win."

York Acorn host Stanningley tomorrow in NCL division one.

Yorkshire Men's League outfit New Earswick All Blacks travel to Wyke for a friendly ahead of the start of the YML premier division programme. Acorn 'A' have no game.