NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC player-boss Jack Stearman expects to be much nearer full strength when they go to Odsal Sedbergh on Saturday (2.30pm) - eager to return to winning ways without delay as they face a run-in predominantly on the road.

All Blacks lost for only the second time in their Yorkshire Men's League division one campaign last week, falling 32-30 at Keighley Albion.

However, they were missing 14 players due to injuries and holidays and fielded three debutants in a much-changed team, with Stearman believing their effort against the side now in third only shows the strength in depth at White Rose Avenue.

He said: "It was meant to be a free week so some players had booked time away but we had this rearranged fixture instead.

"To be beaten by only two points at Keighley is testament to how good the squad is, to be able to do that with 14 out."

All Blacks stayed clear at the top but five of their last six league games are away from home and Stearman knows the title is far from won.

"The league is still in our hands but everyone has plenty of games to play. We need to keep working hard, keep winning and putting pressure on the teams below us."

Prop Bobby Smith (unavailable) and prolific centre Tommy Hields (shoulder) join the absentee list but George Hunt returns as a straight swap for the latter and Stearman reckons he could have up to eight other players back.

Heworth returned to winning ways at Mirfield last week, ending a run of four defeats which has seen them drop off the title pace. But they now have a week off.

York Acorn 'A', who have won their last two games after taking so long to get off the mark, go to Mirfield looking to continue that run and escape the drop zone.

York Lokomotive, top of division four after three straight wins, return to action after two blank weekends with a potential title clash, at home to third-placed Walton Warriors.