ALFIE Hall reckons a top three finish is still well within York Acorn ARLC’s grasp.

The Blue and Golds travel to Hull Dockers in National Conference League premier division with coach Hill reckoning a victory could secure at least a sixth place finish.

But the Acorn chief admits he is looking much further ahead and believes three wins from their last four games would hand them a top three place in their first season in amateur rugby league’s top flight.

Only Johnny Liddell is missing, through suspension, from Acorn’s squad for Saturday’s match against a Dockers outfit Hill said “butchered” Acorn 40-18 at home.

“There’s a bit of revenge on our minds,” he said. “Apart from Liddell, we should be able to pick from a full strength squad. If we can manage to win, and some results go for us, it is possible we will already ensure we finish in the top six.

“But even if we lose our last four games, we will have achieved 28 points and will have won more than half our matches. You would have to say that this has been a successful season.

“We still have a lot to play for. Despite what other people say we are one of the best sides in the league on our day and we have not given up thoughts of a top three place.

“If we win two out of our last four, and certainly if we win three matches, that will take us into the top three.”

The York Acorn Old Boys Society is planning a trip to watch the club in action at Dockers. Anyone interested is asked to meet at the club at 11am or phone 01904 330351 for details.

It’s a massive game for Heworth as well in National Conference League division two. The third placed Villagers go to second placed Milford Marlins knowing a win could strengthen their grasp on the final promotion spot.

Having hammered Egremont 64-0 last weekend, Heworth travel to a Milford side which also enjoyed a 64-0 victory – beating basement club Hull Isberg.

Five points separate the two teams but Heworth have two games in hand and spokesman Ken Sykes reckons it could be quite a tussle.

“It’s a big game and there a lot of big games between now and the end of the season,” he said.

“If we could win at Milford it would be a massive boost to us and a blow to anyone below who thinks they can catch us. We are going to have to play really well.”

Sykes said stand-off Chris Varley may be unavailable but otherwise it would be a full strength Heworth side which went into battle. And he is keen for the Villagers to do better against tricky opponents.

“We haven’t got a good record at Milford over the past three years,” he added. “But we have a realistic chance of beating them.”

New Earswick A take on Westgate Wolves A in the semi-final of the Pennine League Supplementary Cup at White Rose Avenue (kick-off 2pm) Defending the cup will not be an easy task for the All Blacks as Westgate Wolves A are a much improved side from the one the All Blacks A beat 60-10 back in September and they are also in the running for division six promotion.

Jack Sinclair has a slight leg strain but should be fit, otherwise coach Alex Davis and assistant Dave Carling have few injury concerns.