New Earswick All Blacks go into a top-of-the-table encounter in the division one of the Yorkshire League gunning for revenge and a promotion place.

Third-placed All Blacks visit leaders Batley Boys needing a win to boost their top-two aspirations. Victory would also avenge a home defeat on the opening day of the season.

Second-placed Hunslet Old Boys, who are unbeaten and have a game in hand, remain favourites for the title, but both Batley and the York side are still very much in the running.

New Earswick will be without Jamie Daniel, who is unavailable again, while - as reported by the Evening Press - star man Mick Ramdsen has left White Rose Avenue to join York City Knights.

However, Ramsden's former York Wasps team-mate, Alan Pallister, returns after a four-week absence following a car crash. Mick Harrison and another Wasps old boy, Dean Thomas, should also return, while player-boss Simon Baynes is waiting on the availability of Andy Gibb, who played well on his return against Sharlston.

Malarkey said of Ramsden: "He will be missed as he controls the play very well, but good luck to him. I think he will do pretty well at the Knights, he's a good player."

He added: "We have a good squad and are still in with a shout of promotion. Batley Boys are quite a good young side and it was their backs who beat us last time. Hopefully we'll do well as this is a crucial game."

Updated: 11:35 Thursday, January 02, 2003