YORK Lokomotive ARLC were defeated in the York & District Cup - but were buoyed nonetheless.

Lokos, whose Yorkshire Men’s League season starts next month, lost 24-10 to in-form Pennine League side New Earswick in the preliminary round, with All Blacks going through to the semi-final against York Acorn ‘A’.

But a Jack Stearman try for New Earswick was questionable and Lokos spokesman Matt Chapman reckoned his side put up a good show.

“Considering it was our first competitive run out of 2014 it was a great benchmark to improve on and everyone involved can come away with heads held high,” he said.

“We dominated the pack, we had heaps of desire and in many parts looked the better team against a match fit, very well-drilled All Blacks outfit.

“It was a great spectacle for York amateur rugby league.”