THE York and District Cup swings into action this Saturday with both semi-finals taking place.

All four competing sides now play in the Pennine League set-up, with New Earswick All Blacks going into the weekend as favourites to retain the cup due to their division two form and status.

Opponents Selby Warriors, however, are riding high in division five and last week walloped fellow promotion contenders Park Amateurs 62-4.

All Blacks player-coach Simon Baynes said: "We've held this cup for the last two or three years and we want to make sure we get to the final again. Selby are doing well so we won't take them lightly and we'll put our best squad out."

Dave Carling (groin), Dan Wellard (thigh) and Jamie Rhodes (hamstring) are big doubts but Matt Godfrey, Jim Mulroney, Alan Davison, Mark Boitout could return.

All Blacks met York Acorn 'A' in last season's final and a repeat is on the cards with the Blue and Golds' second string favourites to beat York Groves in the other clash.

Acorn are near the head of division four, with the Terriers mid-table in division five.

Heworth, who didn't enter into this year's York cup, see their 'A' team entertain Castleford Panthers 'A' in a Yorkshire League division three game. Kick offs are 2pm.

Updated: 09:33 Thursday, November 04, 2004