DERBY day kicks off the season in Pennine League division five - and York Groves can't wait.

The Terriers entertain Selby Warriors at their Archbishop Holgate's School home pitch, with player-coach Simon Moat saying his charges will be well up for Saturday's opening day duel.

"It's a great game to start the season with and all the lads will be fully tuned up for this one," he told the Evening Press.

Groves have signed three new players, in Shaun Brough, Danny Flint and Gary Watkinson - son of former Great Britain captain David Watkinson - who all come from Heworth. James Foster-Rain has had to leave, though, due to work commitments.

Moat added: "We're hoping to improve on last season's fifth-place finish and look for promotion this time.

"We've got to be confident going into the season. The lads are training well and are thoroughly looking forward to the challenge ahead."

New Earswick All Blacks' new life in the second division of the Pennine League, following their summer switch from the Yorkshire League, starts with a blank weekend.

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, September 02, 2004