THERE will be no need for a pre-match pep talk for the New Earswick All Blacks on Saturday when they attempt to settle a number of scores against Hunslet Old Boys.

A win for the All Blacks will send them top of the CMS Yorkshire Senior Division at the expense of rivals Old Boys, and will also avenge two narrow four point defeats -- 42-38 and 38-34 - from earlier in the campaign.

Added to the memory of last season's extra time win in the White Rose Cup to spur the All Blacks on, all the ingredients are there for a hard-fought match.

Club spokesman Charles Rollinson said: "It's obviously a big league game for us. They are top of the league and we are second so we could take over if we win.

"We have been there twice already this season and were beaten both times but we are confident that we can beat them at our place."

Jamie Daniel and Jez Petch are both unavailable for the top of the table clash but it is hoped Matt Godfrey will make a welcome return.

York Acorn are looking forward to getting their Arriva Trains Conference Division Two campaign back on track at home to Normanton after a two week lay off due to the Challenge Cup and a blank fixture.

Their last match against Normanton ended up in a convincing win for their opponents earlier this month.

Prop Nicky Caldwell and winger Chris Caulfield are both sidelined with minor knee injuries but the rest of the squad are fit and raring to go.

Dave Kay said: "The lads have got a point to prove as they didn't play well against Normanton last time and they are ready to blow the cobwebs away."

In division five of the Pennine League, Acorn 'A' go to York Groves for a derby game while Selby Warriors host near neighbours Wetherby.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, December 11, 2003