MANAGEMENT duo Garry and Paul Atkins will be looking to get off to a great start as their New Earswick All Blacks side return to life in the Yorkshire League.

All Blacks have been in the National Conference League since the mid-1990s but after dropping out in the close-season go back to the YL senior division, with the Atkins brothers having taken over the reins from the departed Mick McTigue.

However, they know the games are unlikely to be much easier. "There will be some very good teams," said club spokesman Charles Rollinson.

"Many are good enough for the NCL and are only in the YL because their facilities aren't up to NCL standard. It isn't necessarily down to ability.

"It's going to be a very tough league and it's vital we get off to a good start."

All Blacks will be looking to the experience of Rich Harrison, Jamie Daniel and Jez Petch throughout the season, which kicks off on Saturday at Hunslet Warriors 'A'.

"We're looking to win promotion to the premier division and how we fare in the first game could be an important indication of how we'll do as we don't know a lot about the teams we're playing," said Rollinson.

"Although we've lost some of our squad to NCL clubs, we have got a similar squad to last season and hopefully we'll do well."

John Leach misses the opener as he begins a four-match suspension arising from his sending-off in the last match of last season against Thatto Heath.

York Groves also tread new ground on Saturday when they play their first fixture in the Pennine League.

Groves, who switched from the YL in the close-season, have been placed in division four and are looking forward to the new challenge, which begins with a home clash against Birkenshaw 'A'.

However, coach Alan Mitchell has had to cope with the loss of two key pack men, with Lee Marton and John Rushworth both out until Christmas through injury and illness. He is still on the look-out to strengthen his squad.

Anyone interested in playing can contact him on 01904 690473 or attend training on Wednesdays, 6.30pm, at Oaklands Sports Centre.

Updated: 11:52 Thursday, August 30, 2001