IT'S all change for York Groves again on Saturday when they begin life at a new ground, writes Peter Martini.

And the only remaining pub team in the city will be hoping an air of professionalism will inspire them to success - as the move will see them use the same changing rooms as Northern Ford Premiership club York Wasps.

Groves have already switched from the Yorkshire League to the Pennine League this season, and have become members of the Hopgrove Playing Fields Association.

Their development will now see them switch from their long-time home at Burdyke to a new council-owned pitch near Huntington Stadium. And as part of the move, which is in conjunction with the HPFA, they will be using the changing facilities at the stadium, which is also the Wasps' home.

Groves' secretary Ian Colley said: "It's a new venture for us. Burdyke Infants School is changing to a primary school and will be building on the land where the pitch is, so we're going to have to move anyway.

"This whole move is being funded by our club and it's a big step for us. It's a forward-looking venture as was going into the Pennine League.

"At Burdyke we had to change at the community centre and walk down to the pitch, but here the pitch we're using is not far from the stadium's changing rooms."

However, Groves will not be leaving Burdyke for good just yet. "We're going to hold on to Burdyke for the time being but eventually all our games will be played near Huntington Stadium," he added.

"We won't be moving there lock, stock and barrel, though, as we'll still be based at the Castle Howard pub in the Groves."

The Terriers' first game on their new pitch will be against Barnsley outfit Hoyland, who were flattered by a 26-13 home win over Groves earlier this year.

Groves' coach Alan Mitchell expects to have back in the squad after injury prop Andy Starkey and Rich Pollock, while he is hoping new signings Darren Gargan and Ian Fuller continue their good form.

Updated: 11:51 Thursday, October 04, 2001