COACH Simon Baynes takes New Earswick ARLC into the last 32 of the GMB Union National Cup on Saturday hailing his squad as the best he's ever had at White Rose Avenue.

The All Blacks, on course for promotion to Pennine League division one, have enjoyed a memorable run in the National Cup, including two giant-killing acts over National Conference opposition.

They face arguably the toughest task of the lot this weekend at home to North West Counties champions Halton Simms Cross (ko 2pm), but Baynes' men should not be ruled out.

"I don't want to make any predictions, I just know that in my three years coaching here this is the best bunch of players I've had," he said.

"We will give it a really good dig, a real good go. We won't leave anything in the changing rooms."

All Blacks, who shocked Askam and Stanningley in the last two rounds, are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition and will be underdogs again against a side who are running away with the NW Counties League once more and who ran National Conference premier division title chasers Thornhill - one of the best amateur teams in the land - close in the Challenge Cup last week.

But Baynes added: "It's a big game for us and we're really looking forward to it. They're a top team but we will give it a real go. Everyone is keen as mustard to play."

That keenness is reflected by the fact Baynes has a big squad available, with captain Jez Petch set to return and forward Al Davidson hoping to shake off a groin problem.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, February 24, 2005