MICK Calam reckons his York Acorn 'A' side have enough firepower to shock New Earswick All Blacks in tonight's York and District ARL Cup final.

Some of Calam's team, who will represent the Blue and Golds at Heworth's Elmpark Way (ko 7pm), might be playing just 24 hours after turning out for the first team in their National Conference match against Hunslet Warriors.

But he believes their good form will help them overcome a "draining" end of season and cap off his first season in charge with silverware.

"It's been a long, hard season but after a shaky start, we have won all but one of our last 12 games and hopefully it will come to an end with one more win," he said.

"All the lads are buzzing about the game and, although some have been filling in with the first team or playing in the academy, this match comes as a welcome break from the pressures of an overloaded end-of-league campaign, which has been physically and emotionally draining."

Calam was leaving it late to pick his team but said the blend of youth and experience set them up well for the clash, even though the All Blacks play two divisions higher in the Pennine League and have won promotion to the premier tier.

"If we play to our full potential, I can see this game being a classic, with the All Blacks riding high in division one and us having had some really good form since Christmas," added Calam.

"All Blacks should start as favourites but, after four years of being runners-up, I believe it is our turn to take the honours. I know it will be tough but player for player, I think we have the better team."

Last night's game had no bearing on the Blue and Golds' decision to field the reserves tonight - the 'A' team were always going to play having gotten to the final.

All Blacks will be going for a fifth consecutive York crown having beaten Acorn 'A' 22-3 last year, 36-20 in 2004, 32-15 in 2003 and 8-6 in 2002 in either the York and District Cup or Accident Cup final. These days, the two competitions are played in alternate years.

The game is sponsored by Heworth Minibuses. The referee is Craig Swanson, who has joined fellow York and District referees Gareth Evans and Shane Daniel as a qualified National League Three official.

LAST NIGHT'S RL RESULTS

engage Super League

Bradford Bulls 52, Huddersfield Giants 18.

National Conference

Premier Div: Leigh MR 42, Oldham St Annes 22.

Div 1: Rochdale Mayfield 8, Thatto Heath 16; York Acorn 17, Hunslet Warriors 18.

Div 2: Ovenden 33, Castleford Panthers 8; Saddleworth Rangers 56, Huddersfield Sharks 8.

TONIGHT'S RL

National Conference League Div 1: Castleford Lock Lane v East Leeds (7.30pm).

York and District Cup final (at Heworth): New Earswick All Blacks v York Acorn 'A' (7pm).

Updated: 09:50 Wednesday, April 19, 2006