PLAYER-coach Simon Moat reckons victory on Saturday would reignite York Groves ARLC's promotion hopes.

The Terriers, fourth in Pennine League division five, travel to West Craven Warriors, who lie one place and three points above them.

Defeat would leave Groves with a mountain to climb but Moat reckons inflicting only the third defeat on the hosts this season is well within reach.

"It's a game we've targeted two points from," he said. "Our players are training well and are very positive, and for the first time in several weeks we'll be travelling with a fully-fit squad."

That means returns for the likes of Dean Kilbride, Paul Fairclough, in-form centre Chris Corr and prop Neil Gulliver, who were among the players who missed last week's loss at Park Amateurs 'A'. Those opponents were below Groves in the table, but Moat said it was still a "good all-round show".

He explained: "It was disappointing but we only travelled with 16 players while Park Amateurs' first team's match was postponed so their 'A' team was heavily strengthened.

"It's crucial we win this week and kick-start our season."

Selby Warriors host Slaighwaite Saracens in division four needing a win to bolster their promotion hopes, while York Acorn 'A', surprisingly beaten at previously winless Hollinwood last week, visit Morley Borough in division three.

Updated: 11:44 Thursday, December 08, 2005