GLORY-seeking New Earswick All Blacks ARLC are looking to stay on the crest of a wave, with joint-coach Simon Baynes relishing tough new competition.

All Blacks were promoted to Pennine League division one last term and enjoyed wonderful cup runs, including getting to the last 16 of the National Cup, and joint-coach Simon Baynes is wanting more of the same this term.

"We're looking for a top four finish and I think that's a realistic aim," he said. "We know it's going to be difficult, much tougher than last year, as there are better teams, but that's what you want.

All Blacks kick off at home to Huddersfield side St Joseph's, about whom they know little. "It's new territory for us," said Baynes.

"All these teams look quite strong, but I'd rather have competitive games every week. If the competition is weak, it's not worth having."

Baynes is also looking to maintain the side's notable cup form. He said: "I might be shooting myself in the foot here, but I fancy a go at the Yorkshire Cup this year. We're at home to Dudley Hill next week in the first round and I'm hoping for a good run. It depends on the draw but if we get a few home games I fancy a good dig at that.

"We want to do well in the league and that's the main one, but we've got a good enough squad to cope with a cup run."

That squad has been boosted by the recruitment of West Indies and former Hull Dockers forward Wes Rodgers, who has been playing for the York Tigers student side, under-17s trio Darryl Fogg, Dean Smith and Liam Gargan, former junior Paul Raybould and ex-Acorn youngster Chris Spain.

The line-up for Saturday's opener, however, is weakened by the unavailability of star performers Chris Judge, Jamie Rhodes, Dan Wellard and Mark Tipping, while Alan Pallister is a doubt, but Baynes said: "We'll have plenty to choose from still."

All Blacks' pre-season has also been good, barring the 62-0 friendly defeat to York Acorn last week. He added: "I wouldn't read too much into that result. We were doing okay with our first team but then started changing things round a bit. We've had good numbers coming to training and they've all trained really well. Everyone is looking forward to the season."

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, September 01, 2005