NEW Earswick All Blacks coach Simon Baynes has praised his squad strength as they look to sustain their title challenge in Pennine League division two at home to bottom-club Stainland Stags (ko 2.30pm).

Baynes will be without Jamie Daniel, who begins a four-week ban after his red card for fighting against Liversedge, JoJo Hnesh (ankle), Eddie Keeping (unavailable), Carl Pallister (concussion) and Steve Perks (broken nose), while in-form Ben Jones (knee) and Chris Judge (ill) are doubtful.

But Dave Carling, Mark Boitoit and Nige Tyreman could return, the latter for his first game of the season after taking time off due to fatherhood.

And Baynes said: "It's been a real squad thing for us this year. We've no big dramas about who's out and who's in because everybody trains and everybody knows our patterns of play."

Selby Warriors will face arguably their toughest assignment of the season if they are to maintain their title aspirations in division five. Leaders Selby visit second-placed Bank Top, who have a 100 per cent winning record and games in hand.

York Groves face a mid-table tussle at West Craven Warriors, while in division four York Acorn 'A' will expect to maintain their leadership away to Meltham All Blacks.

Heworth 'A's Yorkshire League Alliance Cup task could depend on what side Chequerfield put out at Elmpark Way. Their firsts play in the premier division, though the reserves are below the Villagers' second string in division three.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, February 03, 2005