CONFIDENCE is growing at New Earswick All Blacks ARLC, leaving player-boss Jack Stearman optimistic of a successful revenge mission on Saturday.

All Blacks’ only home defeat of their Pennine League championship campaign so far has come at the hands of Slaithwaite Saracens.

They get their shot at making amends this weekend in the return fixture and, after three successive wins, Stearman believes they can make it four to draw level with their fourth-placed hosts in the standings.

“Absolutely yes,” said Stearman when asked if he was confident.

“They beat us at our place but, as I’ve said before, we know we can beat anyone in this division when we play our game.

“The lads that played last weekend were fantastic. They dug deep and there will be lots of competition for places this Saturday.”

Last week’s victory, over Queensbury, came despite the fact All Blacks were lacking several players on a weekend trip to Dusseldorf. The likes of half-backs Liam Gargan and Tom Holmes, along with Pete Ritchie, Luke Morton, Steve Clarke, Jamie Norris, Reece Blake and Steve Doswell, are all available again, as is George Maalouf on his return from his native Greece.

Asked where the team’s improvement has come from after an indifferent period, Stearman said: “It’s about confidence and sticking to the game plan.

“Everyone is believing in our ability and believing we will win. When we go away from the game plan we don’t look very good but when we stick to it, we score points and look excellent.”

Selby Warriors are hoping last week’s good showing in defeat to division one leaders Doncaster Toll Bar will stand them in good stead for Saturday’s trip to Boothtown, another team eyeing promotion.

Selby came away with great credit from last week’s contest but they need to start turning performances into points to escape the drop zone.

Selby Warriors ‘A’, of division seven, return to action with a tough task at home to division four side West Bowling ‘A’ in the Pennine Supplementary Cup.