New Earswick All Blacks are confident of repeating last Saturday's win over Thornhill Trojans 'A' in the return Pennine League division one fixture this weekend.

The All Blacks will be without scrum-half Ben Jones, who is carrying a shoulder injury. Also missing are Jez Petch (unavailable) and Eddie Keeping, who is unlikely to play after he missed training this week. However, forward Al Davidson is in line for a return to the side.

Coach Simon Baynes is looking forward to a repeat of last week's performance from his side. "We are always confident and we trained well again this week," he said.

However, Baynes is not expecting an easy ride, acknowledging that the Trojans are a difficult team to beat. "They're a tough team and have a lot of old heads. It was a good game last week and it adds a bit of spice playing them again so soon. It was a bit tasty last week so it will be a physical game again," he added.

A daunting challenge also faces York Groves, who welcome the visit of Pennine League division five promotion-chasing West Craven Warriors on Saturday.

The men from Barnoldswick head for York knowing only a win will be good enough to stay in contention for a top two finish, while the Groves will be looking to show the spirit that nearly saw them snatch a victory against leaders Whitehall in their last outing a fortnight ago,

Groves coach Simon Moat has a fully fit squad to choose from and is hoping last week's free Saturday will have his players eager for action.

Said Moat: "'West Craven are a solid team who do the basics right but I'm confident with home advantage that we'll be taking the game to them, and exposing a weakness on the wings, where we have a definite edge over them."

A win for the Groves is essential as they have stated a desire to finish the season as the form side to build confidence for the young players for next season.

Selby Warriors will look for a comprehensive win over Illingworth 'A' to enhance their chances of promotion up to Pennine League division three, where improving York Acorn 'A' entertain Stainland Stags needing a win to lift them further clear of the drop zone.

Heworth 'A' must be wary of revenge on Saturday. They knocked high-flying Upton 'A' out of the Yorkshire League's Alliance Cup last week with a comprehensive 38-4 victory and now visit the West Yorkshire side for a division three game which Upton need to win to boost their title hopes.

Updated: 10:18 Thursday, January 19, 2006