Amateur rugby league club New Earswick All Blacks have joined the Pennine League, it has been confirmed.

The White Rose Avenue outfit's membership application was accepted at the Pennine League annual meeting so their switch from the Yorkshire League has been completed.

They therefore join neighbours York Groves, Selby Warriors and York Acorn 'A' in this league, though it is not yet known which division they will compete in.

Head coach Simon Baynes was hoping the club's first pre-season game could be against Pennine League opposition Haydock Warriors, who defeated the All Blacks in the GMB National Cup last season.

Baynes said: "I took a lot out of the National Cup game.

"They were where I want us to be, playing-wise. They played the game at 100 miles per hour and our pre-season is going to be based on getting us to that level, so they are an obvious choice for our first match."

All Blacks' training is held at White Rose Avenue, 7pm on Tuesday and Thursdays. All are welcome to attend.

Meanwhile, York City Knights chairman Roger Dixon's firm, Hague & Dixon Solicitors, has renewed its sponsorship of the All Blacks.

The deal will see the Hague & Dixon logo feature on the front of the home and away shorts in the new campaign.

"Our thanks go particularly to Roger Dixon for his continued support of the club," said All Blacks spokesman Mark Tipping.

Updated: 10:14 Saturday, July 03, 2004