YORK Groves ARLC are hoping to continue where they left off last season - with championship form.

The Terriers begin their Pennine League division five campaign away to newcomers Whitehall Warriors with player-coach Simon Moat believing promotion is possible, especially if they play like they did when ending the undefeated record of champions Bank Top last term.

"I think we can beat anybody in this division," he said. "We won our last four games last season, including against Bank Top and if we show that sort of form we should do okay."

Groves welcome prop Chris Nuttall into the squad following his move from Blackpool, while former Acorn youngster Matthew Withers will also boost the numbers once he proves his fitness after breaking a leg this summer.

Moat was also expecting to turn to scrum-half Dean Kilbride for inspiration. "Dean is very quick and can score a lot of tries and is our main play-maker," he said. "The spirit in the whole squad is good and everyone is looking forward to the season.

Opening opposition Halifax-based Whitehall are a new team formed out of a breakaway from former National Conference club Greetland All Rounders, and Moat added: "I know from a few people they're expecting quite big things but hopefully we can travel with plenty of confidence and give a good account of ourselves."

Selby Warriors, promoted from division five last season, open their division four programme at home to Drighlington 'A'.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, September 01, 2005