New Earswick All Blacks Under-15s came away from their first tournament of the season with a trophy in the bag.

The All Blacks won all four of their group games to reach the final of the Invitation ten-a-side competition at Stanningly ARL, and then won that play-off against Featherstone Lions 18-4, avenging a defeat in the Yorkshire Cup final last season.

The squad was down to 12 players due to holidays but, despite also suffering some injuries, All Blacks showed tremendous ability and commitment to leave triumphant.

All Blacks beat Gateshead 10-6 in a tough opener, then saw off the hosts 10-4 thanks to some good discipline.

They then beat Fev Lions 12-8 to secure their place in the final, and followed that with a 10-6 win over West Leeds, the latter nearly causing an upset as they came back strongly from 10-0 down.

In the final, the injury-ravaged All Blacks dug deep against the Lions and the scoreline was even more convincing than 18-4 suggested.

Updated: 12:24 Wednesday, August 21, 2002