New Earswick All Blacks are bracing themselves for a forward battle as they host Upton for a place in the last eight of the Tetley's Yorkshire Cup (ko 2pm), writes Peter Martini.

Both sides are unbeaten in their respective leagues - New Earswick are fourth in Pennine League division one and Upton third in Yorkshire League premier division - and, even though Upton are technically in a higher division comparatively, it is a close one to call given the All Blacks' recent knockout form and the relative merits of the two leagues.

"We know a bit about them," said All Blacks coach Simon Baynes. "They're tough up front and they've got a good stand-off who does everything for them. He organises things, kicks goals, makes the tea afterwards. But we're more concerned with getting our game right.

"They're a good forward team and they try to intimidate you but we'll be all right with that. We want to play a bit of football as well but it depends on the conditions a bit."

Second-row Jamie Rhodes (knee) is struggling but Al Davison should be back for his first game of the season after groin trouble while Jamie Daniel might also return.

York Groves' promotion aspirations in Pennine League division five come under the microscope on Saturday as they entertain local rivals Wetherby Bulldogs in a first versus second battle.

York Acorn 'A', not enjoying a great start to life in division three, have a difficult trip to table-topping Dearne Valley Bulldogs, who have a 100 per cent record, while Selby Warriors will be hoping to climb the division four table with a win over bottom club Sheffield Hillsborough, who also have a 100 per cent record, but this one in reverse.

Heworth 'A', whose first team have no game, will look to rediscover their form away to Cas Panthers 'A' in a mid-table Yorkshire League division three encounter.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, October 20, 2005