YORK City Knights ace Danny Ratcliffe is relishing a return to local club Dewsbury Rams – and he reckons the Championship One opener could be a cracker.

The league season kicks off this Sunday and the Knights’ trip to Tetley’s Stadium – which is like a local derby for many players involved – is arguably the pick of the matches in this division.

Both sides have stormed into the Northern Rail Cup quarter-finals, beating Championship clubs along the way, and both have title aspirations, with Dewsbury joint-favourites alongside Oldham having splashed the cash in a bid to make an immediate return to higher tier.

But Ratcliffe reckons his Knights team can match them, regardless of reputation. “We can definitely compete with them,” the 22-year-old told The Press.

“Oldham and Doncaster last year spent a bit of money – and we beat Oldham and we only just lost to Donny away.

“If we play to our game-plan and play smart, we can beat any team in this league.”

Sunday’s clash is given extra spice by the fact there are so many Dewsbury-based players in the York ranks, as well as so many ex-Knights in the Rams line-up.

“I can’t wait for it. There are a few of us – like me, John Oakes, Rob Kelly, David Clayton and (director of rugby) James Ratcliffe – who were at Dewsbury, and both Marchs and Scott Woodcock also come from there.

“It’s going to be a really big game – our local derby – and I’m really looking forward to it.

“If we play like we have been doing in the last few games and play smart, we should be okay.”

Former Knights favourites now at Tetley’s Stadium include Jimmy Elston, Rob Spicer, Chris Spurr, Austin Buchanan, Lee Lingard and Gareth Greenwood.

Ratcliffe reckoned there would probably be some personal points to prove.

“I’ve still got a few friends there (at the Rams), like Alex Bretherton, Liam Finn and Andrew Bostock, and I speak to a few of them if I see them,” he said.

“I’ve had a bit of a laugh with Andy Bostock, winding him up and telling him John Oakes is going to throw him all over the field.

“I’m pretty sure he’s looking forward to it as well – all the Dewsbury lads will be.

“It will be a good game and hopefully we’ll have a big York crowd there to back us.”

Hosts facing friendly fire from old boys

EMOTION must not come into the equation when York City Knights look to open their Championship One campaign with victory at Dewsbury Rams.

James Ratcliffe, the Knights’ director of rugby, said the Huntington Stadium-based club were fully focused on continuing their good start to 2009 by recording a win at Tetley’s Stadium.

Both teams contain a number of players who have previously played for the opposite club with former Rams Danny Ratcliffe, John Oakes, Dave Clayton, Wayne McHugh, Scott Woodcock and Rob Kelly in the frame for the Knights, and former Knights Rob Spicer, Chris Spurr, Lee Lingard, Austin Buchanan and a fit-again Jimmy Elston turning out for the Rams.

Ratcliffe said the Knights needed to get out of the blocks quickly if they were to see off Dewsbury, who were relegated from National League one last season and have tipped up in some quarters for a title charge.

“We are all looking forward to the game but we must not let emotion come into the equation,” he said.

“We have trained well this week and are confident we can do the job but Dewsbury have some quality players in their ranks and we will need to be at the top of our game if we are to be victorious.”

The Knights add Tom Haberecht, player coach Paul March, Adam Sullivan and Danny Ratcliffe the side that beat Wigan St Pat’s in the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

They have a fully fit squad to choose from with the exceptions of long-term casualties Oliver Wilcox Harrison and Steve Lewis.

Knights seek a bar manager

YORK City Knights are looking for a bar/catering manager.

The suitable applicant is asked to have relevant experience in the industry, be able to prepare monthly sales reports and be able to identify and develop new business to achieve goals, while being a hands-on part of a team focusing on achieving sales targets and increasing revenue.

Salary is negotiable and there may also be a performance bonus.

Anyone interested is asked to apply in writing to: The Managing Director, York City Knights RLFC, Roland Court, Huntington Road, York YO32 9PW.