Extra fitness training and beer are not often credited in the same sentence but both are helping New Earswick All Blacks get their teeth into the Pennine League division one title race.

Chris Judge's fitness sessions were this week applauded for giving the All Blacks a crucial extra boost in the last 20 minutes of last week's win over Newsome Panthers.

And a three-pint man-of-the-match sponsorship by The Bay Horse has also had an impact.

Coach Simon Baynes said: "Chris Judge's fitness training has made a real difference. You can concentrate better when you are fitter and it really told last week."

This week sees the All Blacks at home to Dudley Hill from the other end of the table - but a challenge is still expected. All Blacks though should be bolstered by the return of Jamie Rhodes and Dean Smith.

Acorn 'A' host Undercliffe in Pennine division three, fifth division York Groves have no match and Heworth 'A' welcome Prince of Wales in CMS Yorkshire division three.

Selby Warriors are in Andrew Bennett memorial trophy quarter-final action at Queensbury 'A', who are currently bottom of Pennine division.

Updated: 09:08 Thursday, February 16, 2006