IN-FORM New Earswick All Blacks' title credentials face their second stern test in as many weeks on Saturday, writes Peter Martini.

Last week Simon Baynes' men comprehensively saw off previously unbeaten Kippax to head Pennine League division two and this week they visit second-placed Newsome Panthers (ko 2pm), who remain hot on their heels.

Said Baynes: "We're the only team to have beaten them this season and they're the only team that's up there with us, so it's another tough one.

"We should be confident, though, as we were brilliant last week. The forwards dominated and we played really well, our best performance of the season."

The form of October player of the month Chris Judge at loose-forward has remained particularly outstanding, and Baynes is unlikely to alter his line-up much, despite having his squad boosted by the return of Steve Perks after his year playing in Australia for Fremantle Roosters and that of Dave Calam, who is also available again.

Trip-happy Selby Warriors are aiming for a seventh consecutive victory on their travels as they visit West Bowling 'B' on Saturday.

The Warriors' 100 per cent winning form away from home - six of their eight league matches have been away - has lifted them to the top of division five, though their hosts on Saturday are not out of the early promotion reckoning either, lying fourth.

Selby's squad was boosted by the return last week of Nick Weaver after a two-month lay-off with a broken collar bone, while 18-year-old Richard Tune put in a solid performance at prop.

York Groves are without a game and thus have an extra week to get over the broken leg agony of player-coach Simon Moat, the injury having occurred in last week's game against Selby as reported in the Press.

York Acorn 'A' will aim to stay top of division four but face a tricky home fixture against Drighlington 'A'.

Heworth 'A' have a week off as there are no Yorkshire League fixtures due to the Gillette Tri-Nations final at Elland Road.

Updated: 09:15 Thursday, November 25, 2004