HEAD coach Tim Rumford returns to his old stomping ground tomorrow when Oxford RL face in-form York City Knights.

Rumford was in charge at Heworth last season and is looking for the Blues, who sit 11th, to turn the Kingstone Press League 1 table on its head.

Oxford have lost their last five matches, but Rumford is urging his side to put in a performance against second-placed York, who have won four on the bounce.

He said: “We’re in a bit of a slump, but we know it doesn’t last forever.

“It’s how we respond.

“We’ve picked up a few injuries and lost our dual-registered players, it’s all a factor but it’s not an excuse.”

Rumford added: “It doesn’t get any easier.

“I think with the squad York have got they could challenge some Championship teams.

“We’ve got to treat this game as a cup final.”