PLAYER-BOSS Jack Stearman has challenged his New Earswick All Blacks ARLC side to go the rest of the season unbeaten in their quest for title success - starting with this weekend's big game against neighbours Heworth.

All Blacks are currently leading a two-horse race to finish top of Yorkshire Men's League division one but they are only one point ahead of Norland Sharks with four games to go.

They also face a derby over at Elm Park Way on Saturday (2.30pm) against a side who not only have play-off aspirations of their own but who will also be gunning for revenge having lost 22-20 to a late try in the reverse fixture.

"It's a big game," said Stearman. "We had a player meeting this week saying these are the last four games of the campaign and the league is in our hands.

"We have to continue what we've been doing, and keep it going on Saturday. Norland are right behind us so we have to win four from four.

"It's a derby but at the same time it's another league fixture."

Winger Sam Cooper, the late match-winner in that last meeting, is unavailable for All Blacks this time, as are Tom Barron and George Hunt. But Tommy Hields, who was prolific before injury, is fit to fill one of the holes in the back line.

Stearman added: "There might be a bit of extra spice after us snatching it in the last two minutes last time. They will be up for it but I'm sure our squad is good enough to get the result."

That previous meeting took place when both teams were depleted, with several players representing York & District on their tour to Ukraine, among them prop forward Stearman and Heworth half-back Liam Jackson - who has been pinpointed as a dangerman along with Villagers player-coach George Elliott.

Said Stearman: "Liam Jackson was Player of the Tour and every time I've seen him he looks dangerous. George is obviously a big player as well. They have a number of good players and threats.

"But we're concentrating on our own game, on defending like we have been this season and on sticking to our goals. We'll worry about ourselves. We don't look at how others are doing but concentrate on what we do and we'll try to take that into Saturday."

It has been confirmed that the title will be won via play-offs, with first playing fourth and second meeting third in semi-finals.

Stearman would have preferred the crown to go to the table-toppers but said: "We're just concentrating on winning the league and the play-offs will look after themselves."

Heworth sit fourth but only four points separate third place from bottom - meaning they could end in the play-offs or yet get dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Cross-city rivals York Acorn 'A' are below Heworth only on points-difference after their resurgence, which continued with victory at Odsal Sedbergh last week.

The Blue and Golds' second string are without a fixture this weekend - like their first team in the National Conference League first division.

Division four title-chasers York Lokomotive are also without a fixture.