NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC's hopes of cup glory have been dealt several massive blows - but it won't stop them enjoying their big occasion.

All Blacks travel to Pennine League big-guns Drighlington on Saturday for a President's Cup semi-final clash, but numerous key players might not be going with them.

Nonetheless, player-coach Chris Judge says he has many good men to call on, and they will travel with confidence of causing an upset against the reigning champions who knocked out current league leaders Sharlston Rovers in the last round.

"We're struggling a bit with the squad, but we've still got good players up there," said Judge.

"We're sweating on a few players but some might come through and, to be honest, we're just really looking forward to the game. It's a shame it's all happened this week, but that's how it goes."

Among those who look set to miss out, or are doubtful, are: Yorkshire full-back Steve Perks (shoulder), key scrum-half Ben Jones (unavailable), Carl Pallister (groin), Al Davison (concussion), brothers Joe and Jack Stearman, who are in the York City Knights Academy squad for the opening game of their season, and ace hooker Tom Hodgson, who is in the BARLA Great Britain Under-18s squad who are training on Saturday.

In brighter news, Judge himself might be okay to play after his ankle problems, and wingers Adam Ferry and Tom Dale are back in contention, while veteran Dave Carling might be "dragged out of retirement yet again".

Judge added: "We haven't given up. Drighlington are the form team in the league at the moment but we've been there this year and we should have scored in the last minute to get a draw.

"We had a good game against them and we had players missing then as well, so we know we are capable of doing it and, with or without a few players, we will be confident. We're just looking to enjoy it."

York Groves coach Simon Moat will start planning for next season when the Terriers travel to Moldgreen A' in Pennine League division five.

Groves have enjoyed a good season, currently lying in third place, but they are out of promotion contention and so Moat will begin looking ahead to next term by trying different combinations and positional changes in the remaining three matches of this campaign.

Moat said: "We're looking to change things around a little bit. Some of the lads have expressed an interest in trying a new position so now is an ideal opportunity to see how they fare."

He added: "Moldgreen made things difficult for us when we played them at home, but I'm looking to complete a league double over them and maintain our top-three status."

Selby Warriors will look for a winning end to their campaign in division three at home to Queensbury A', who are desperate for points in their relegation battle.