KNOCKOUT braves New Earswick All Blacks ARLC will "not die wondering" as they attempt to turn tables once more.

The All Blacks take centre stage in York's amateur rugby league scene again on Saturday as they host Drighlington in the Tetley's Yorkshire Cup quarter-finals bidding to match their triple giant-killing exploits in the GMB Union National Cup last season.

Drighlington are the cup holders and currently lie second in the Pennine League premier division with only one defeat in five games and a points-difference already of plus-142.

But All Blacks joint-coach Simon Baynes says that his division one side, whose cup deeds have limited their league exploits to two wins from two, will hold nothing back in their quest for a shock last four slot.

"It's the biggest game of our season and we can't wait for it," he said. "They're a good team, make no bones about it, and they will be one of the favourites along with Sharlston.

"But we're at home and we can't complain - we always said if we're at home we would give anyone a fair go."

That fair go is set to involve an expansive game-plan, with Baynes saying the simple five drives and a kick routine would be meat and drink to a side of Drighlington's standing.

"We've got to stretch them and ask them questions," he explained. "We will tough it out up front but then have a go at them. We won't die wondering. You've got to try something different and play a bit of football and as long as the conditions are right we will throw it about a bit."

All Blacks have received a big blow with in-form full-back Steve Perks (pictured below) being ruled out until the new year after a horrible accident at work. He fell off a ladder and badly injured his hand and wrist on a bolt, although luckily there was no damage to ligaments or veins.

Jamie Daniel (shoulder) is also ruled out but second-row Jamie Rhodes is back in contention while half-back Mick Harrison (dead leg) and Al Davison (shoulder) are likely to pass fit. Experienced duo Alan Pallister and Jez Petch will also return after being rested for last week's Pennine League President's Cup defeat at Clayton, another premier division side.

That result is likely to have little bearing on Saturday's clash (ko 2pm), with All Blacks going full tilt this time.

Baynes said: "Even with a few players out we will give it a good go. Drighlington have been hammering everyone apart from Sharlston and it will be tough, but we won't leave anything in the closet."

Promotion hopefuls York Groves will look to return to the victory trail following last week's Pennine League Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy loss to higher-ranked Undercliffe by seeing off division five rivals Birkenshaw 'A', who lie bottom without a win.

Selby Warriors also face a winless team as they visit Meltham All Blacks in division four, while York Acorn 'A' will look to make up ground on Rotherham Roosters in division three mid-table.

Heworth 'A' entertain East Leeds 'A' looking to bounce back from their unlucky loss to Nevison Leap.

Updated: 11:55 Thursday, November 03, 2005