HEWORTH ARLC head coach Scott Rhodes has highlighted the next three fixtures as key to their National Conference League ambitions following the let-down last week.

The Villagers' inconsistent start to this division three season continued with a 42-24 home defeat to Batley Boys, just seven days after they enjoyed a 72-6 mauling of Waterhead Warriors.

Rhodes' side sit ninth ahead of Saturday's trip to eighth-placed Oldham St Anne's, which he hopes could be a catalyst for a push up the table. Then, Heworth host basement side Hensingham before visiting second-bottom Salford City Roosters.

"We had enough quality to win at the weekend but we let ourselves down," Rhodes admitted.

"We're looking to bounce back this week and get the win.

"The next three games are very important to us, to get back at it towards the top of the table and getting into the play-offs where we want to be.

"We're looking forward to this weekend.

"We've got fantastic young players. It may take a bit more time but from what I've seen so far, I'm happy with them," he added, alluding to Heworth's recent step back up to the NCL.

"They've just got to show more composure and game management.

"If they do that, I'm show we'll come away with two points."

Rhodes also admitted Heworth's development since he was handed the reins may have come as a bit of a surprise, and playing in the country's elite amateur league has highlighted a lack of strength in depth.

Heworth have faced selection problems this season, particularly in the middle unit, and have not yet had the same side out twice. Last week was another case in point, with a handful of key men like Ben Dent, Adam Dent, Fergus Chapman and Liam Richmond all unavailable after playing their part in the Waterhead victory.

Rhodes bemoaned the gap in quality between the first team and the second team, which is not yet at the level needed in the NCL - but he insists the jump up was not before time.

"Rome wasn't built in a day. It's the best thing we could have done as a club," he said of returning to the NCL.

"If not, we would have continued to lose juniors to York Acorn, who play at a very good standard in the NCL.

"They're the benchmark for York (amateur) rugby league and we're doing our best to close that gap.

"When I took over, we were a year or two ahead of where we thought we would be. We didn't think we'd be playing in the NCL this year."

Acorn, meanwhile, remain on the coattails of division one leaders Pilkington Recs. On Saturday, Josh Mortimer's men, on a run of six straight wins, host Wigan St Patrick's in a clash of promotion hopefuls.

Tom Holmes returns for Yorkshire Men's League premier division leaders New Earswick All Blacks after nearly 20 months out. All Blacks host East Hull.

Acorn 'A' travel to Ossett Trinity Tigers in division two and Heworth 'A' visit Dewsbury Moor Maroons 'A' in NCL Alliance Group 2.