York Groves and York Acorn 'A' are both aiming tomorrow to book places in their respective Yorkshire League play-off finals.

Groves face a daunting task when they visit table-toppers Hunslet Old Boys in the division five semi-final.

And their job has been made harder by the fact coach Alan Mitchell won't be there to orchestrate things from the sidelines as he is away on holiday, leaving player-coach Simon Moat to take full charge.

The Hunslet side have won every game in the league this season, scoring 496 points in their 16 games and conceding just 128.

Groves are the lowest ranked of the play-off quartet, finishing fourth with 19 points from 18 games.

However, on their day Groves are capable of beating anyone in this division and both their clashes with Hunslet have been well-fought, low-scoring affairs.

Hunslet won their home fixture 6-2 and in the return fixture at Oaklands needed a late drop goal to claim a 5-4 success.

Groves are looking forward to the fixture and Moat has a full squad to pick from, aided by the fact Castle Howard Ox, whose team features many Groves players, have pulled out of the York Interworks competition in which they were due to play tonight.

Groves are to travel by coach departing from the Castle Howard Ox, with all supporters welcome to go with them. Meet noon at the Lowther Street pub.

After finishing third, Acorn 'A' travel to play division four runners up Dewsbury Moor 'A'.

Acorn will be hoping their blend of youth, including the likes of teenage full-back John Tattersfield, elusive winger Kev Brundett and creative stand-off Craig Fox, allied to the experience of their ace try poacher and prop forward Mark Hebblethwaite, fellow prop Dave Murray and loose forward Barry Fox, will see them through.

Another player likely to have a big impact on the outcome of this semi-final will be their versatile utility player, Alex Cowton, whose strong, no nonsense running and hard tackling have made him a big favourite in his first season since switching codes.

Updated: 11:55 Friday, May 25, 2001