New Earswick All Blacks take pride of place in the York amateur rugby league scene on Saturday.

With National Conference League clubs Heworth and Acorn not in action - Heworth face Batley Bulldogs in the Challenge Cup on Sunday, while Acorn do not have a game - All Blacks head the list amateur clubs from the district set to take to the field.

And they should be hopeful of picking up two points against fellow strugglers in Yorkshire League premier and division one, Myton Warriors.

New Earswick have found themselves adrift at the foot of the table, with last week's 68-0 hammering by Good Companions being their 11th defeat in 12 league games this term.

However, Myton have only won three times and last week were beaten by second-bottom Brookhouse.

New Earswick player-coach Simon Baynes was hopeful a good turn-out, like last week, will allow him to field a strong side for the away trip.

Injury-hit York Groves could move up two places in division four of the Pennine League if they secure victory over Siddal 'A'.

The Terriers, disappointed to lose 5-4 to Undercliffe last week, have picked up several injuries, with Rich Needham and Gareth Hill definitely ruled out of the trip to the Halifax-based club.

Player-coach Simon Moat will be expecting 100 per cent from his squad and asks that all players make themselves available to help his side bounce straight back.

Selby Warriors have an excellent opportunity to wipe the slate clean following last week's awful 40-0 defeat at Dewsbury Moor.

Warriors visit lowly Allerton Bywater in Yorkshire League division three knowing a good victory could move them into the top half of the table on points difference.

York Acorn are without a game as their scheduled GMB National Cup opponents, Wath Brow Hornets, are in Challenge Cup third round action against Huddersfield Giants. Acorn 'A' do not have a game either.

Heworth 'A' can make amends for last week's lacklustre display with a home victory over mid-table Shaw Cross 'A'. The Villagers' second string were knocked of the top of Yorkshire League division four after a poor performance saw them lose 25-6 to Sherburn, Ian Jones getting their only try and goal.

* Saturday's Evening Press will carry a preview of Heworth's big Challenge Cup tie at Batley Bulldogs on Sunday.

Updated: 12:32 Thursday, January 24, 2002