NEW Earswick All Blacks could probably not have picked a harder game with which to start their first-ever season in the Pennine League.

All Blacks entertain Newsome Panthers, who have gone four years unbeaten in the league in rising up the divisions and who began their division two campaign last week with a 41-26 winners at Crigglestone All Blacks.

Nevertheless, All Blacks will go into the game in high spirits having had an excellent off-season, with coaches Simon Baines and Alan Pallister having a squad of 30 players competing for places, including the experience of former Wakefield and York professional Chris Judge (pictured left).

Baines said: "This is the best off-season we have had and we are looking at a good start."

The only definite absentees are Jamie Daniel (knee) and Ben Jones (work), but there are injury doubts over Jamie Rhodes (thumb) and Robbie Beavers (calf).

With ex-Heworth players Rowan Wallis-Smith joining Eddie Keeping, JoJo Hnesh and Jim Mulrhanen, the average age of the pack will be under 23, even with experienced former York professional Pallister at hooker.

New recruit Alan Davison should make his league debut after impressing in the pre-season match against the West Indies, as should ex-Heworth junior Paul Dooley.

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, September 09, 2004