New Earswick All Blacks were hammered 44-8 after playing their worst rugby of the season in the second half away to a good Hunslet Old Boys side.

With Hunslet reduced to 12 men, the All Blacks, trailing by just two points at half time, should have gone on to win a game which they dominated early on.

However, their defence deserted them in the second period and, when the home side took an eight-point lead following an interception try from a move that the visitors themselves should have scored from, the All Blacks never recovered and instead fell away.

For the All Blacks, Alan Pallister, Jez Petch and Phil Turpin performed well, while Nick Massingham scored their only try and Jamie Daniel kicked a conversion and a penalty.

The result saw Hunslet maintain their 100 per cent start to the Yorkshire League division one season, while New Earswick dropped down to fourth.

York Acorn 'A' put up a brave display before losing 28-18 at Yorkshire League division two leaders Swillington.

Acorn raced 12-0 ahead before succumbing to a powerful second-half show. Acorn's early tries came from stand-off Dean Kilbride, who raced 50 yards for a stunning solo score, and prop Lee Brundett, who charged over from ten yards, both goaled by scrum-half Paul Sawyer.

Swillington made it 12-12 at half-time and then 28-12 before Acorn centre Shaun Gilmoor intercepted and raced 80 yards for a crowd-pleaser, Sawyer converting.

Fellow centre Alex Cowton was man of the match, while Sawyer and hard working forward Paul Fairclough also shone.

Heworth Under16s paid the penalty for not playing to the whistle as they lost 20-7 at Wibsey.

Wibsey probably deserved the win but were lucky to be allowed two early converted tries from apparent knock-ons, refereeing decisions which spoilt what promised to be an even game.

The scoreline did not reflect the effort by the Villagers, for whom Andy Hall and Sam Johnson were excellent. Their only try came from workhorse prop Liam Watling, while skipper Liam Stagnell dropped a goal and Marcus Allan kicked a touchline penalty.

New Earswick U9s produced their best rugby of the season in

beating Dewsbury Moor 32-28 in a thriller.

Man of the match David Bellwood scored four tries, with others from Adam Speck (2), Liam Davison and Sean Malarkey. Most improved player was Luke Sullivan, who with Adam McCarthy, was excellent in defence.

York Acorn U8s and Heworth U8s played an exciting derby, with Acorn's extra pace giving them the edge.

Heworth's man of the match was Oliver Murphy, who scored two tries as did James Kilmartin. Most improved was Jacob Field, while Billy Legge was top tackler.

Updated: 11:30 Tuesday, October 22, 2002