BOUYED by their first success of the campaign New Earswick All Blacks are poised for a rapid ascent of the Yorkshire League senior division.

That was the firm conviction of club spokesman Charles Rollinson as he looked ahead to Saturday's visit of newcomers Bentley Good Companions.

While their title may be a mouthful, their status as new boys should not enable them to engulf their New Earswick All Blacks' hosts, whose spirit has never been in doubt despite a slow start to the season.

Even before last week's conquest at Kippax the All Blacks remained brimful of belief in their own ability.

"Confidence is sky-high after putting our first win on the board," said Rollinson.

"The spirit was always there and we knew we would be back winning sooner rather than later, so now we can take a leap up the league."

The hosts have been further boosted by the news that they have no injury problems ahead of Saturday's game against a side whose only outing so far this season ended in defeat.

Selby Warriors were supposed to be playing York Acorn 'A' on Saturday but Acorn have asked the Yorkshire League for a free week so the fixture has been changed.

Selby will now be playing a third division game against Crofton at Selby on Saturday (2.30pm).

York Groves get the chance to put their disappointing start to the Pennine League season behind them when they entertain Dearne Valley in the first round of the Shipley Trophy.

But it won't be easy for Groves, who have won just one of their five division four games so far, as Valley lead division six, having piled up 210 points.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, October 25, 2001