JOINT-COACH Simon Baynes reckons New Earswick All Blacks have been the "victims of their own success" this season as they look to claw back ground on the Pennine League division one leaders.

All Blacks' form in cup competitions, plus the occasional postponement, has meant they have played only three league games so far this term heading in December, up to six less than those around them.

This means they may face a fixture pile-up towards the end of the campaign, especially if a heavy winter brings further call-offs.

"We need to get some league games in, but if you get a few cup wins, you have to play more cup ties," Baynes reasoned. "We might have to play a few games in a short space of time later on but there's nothing we can do about that and we're not worried about it. Our squad is pretty strong."

All Blacks will be back to knockout action next week as they visit Ellenborough in the National Cup, but first comes a rare league outing, away to lowly Birkenshaw.

"We don't know much about them but reckon they'll be awkward at home," said Baynes, whose side still lie just four points off the promotion zone, despite their fixture shortage.

"We haven't lost ground on many teams. They all seem to have been beating each other, apart from Halifax Irish (who are top with eight wins from eight), so we're still in there."

Forwards Chris Judge and Al Davidson will be given late tests but Wes Rodgers should return to add size to the pack.

York Acorn 'A' will look to pile on the points in division three away to Hollinwood, who have been conceding an average of 56 per match, while York Groves will seek to boost their promotion hopes in division five with victory at mid-table foes Park Amateurs 'A'.

Selby Warriors have a two-division and home advantage over Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy round two opponents Cowling Harlequin.

Heworth 'A' visit Hunslet Warriors 'A' in Yorkshire League division three.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, December 01, 2005