Lee Paterson could be heading for a step up to the professional game after another outstanding display for New Earswick All Blacks.

Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston watched the All Blacks youngster in Saturday's 26-18 defeat at Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks.

He was suitably impressed and All Blacks spokesman Charles Rollinson confirmed Aston has asked the loose forward to play in a friendly.

He added: "Other professional clubs have come down to watch him. No doubt we'll be losing him before long."

Paterson, son of former York Wasps assistant coach John Paterson, has been in superb form for New Earswick and was again their best player against the Hawks.

But his efforts, plus fine contributions from player-coach Mick McTigue and top tackler, teenage hooker Tom Coomber, were not enough to stop the All Blacks slipping to the foot of the National Conference League second division.

A repeat of last week's performance saw them lose the game in the first 20 minutes.

Sheffield raced into a 16-0 lead with converted tries from Dave Roberts and Brian Moore, plus two penalties by John Nicholls.

A good passing move along the line enabled winger Dan Wellard to pull a try back for the All Blacks, with a penalty from Carl Pallister reducing the half-time deficit to 16-6.

They were right back in it when Mick McTigue crashed through after a good pass from Simon Malarkey and side-stepped the full-back to score under the posts. Pallister added the extras.

John Leach looked to be on his way to the equalising try but was held just inches short. Then in the next move the ball was spilled and Sheffield ran the length of the field to score through substitute Marlow Thomas.

A second try for Thomas wrapped up the game before Leach grabbed a late consolation try for New Earswick.

Heworth's problems continue as they were plunged further into the first division relegation quagmire. They were beaten 24-18 at home by Askam, who moved off the foot of the table for the first time this season.

Askam took a 10-0 lead before tries by Stuart Watson and Sam Clarke, who added the goal to his own effort, tied the scores.

Despite losing former international stand-off Paul Tyson with a suspected broken jaw, Askam went back in front again with two quick tries by Craig Rogers and Tom Butler to make the half-time score 18-10.

Two drop goals by hooker Chris Moralee edged the Cumbrians further ahead but Heworth gradually cut back the deficit with a Watson panalty and a converted try by John Coulson.

However, on the stroke of full-time, Askam secured the points with a try by substitute Glenn Coates.

York Acorn's League Express National Cup run ended in the fourth round when they were beaten 44-18 at home by NCL division one side Siddal.

The Blue and Golds competed well for the full 80 minutes and were in contention up to half-time when they trailed 18-14.

Acorn replied to Siddal's opening try with a penalty from Jon Hough and a converted try by second rower Dave Norman who forced his way past three tacklers.

Siddal, led by former Leeds hooker Mick Shaw, took control of the game with two tries in as many minutes.

Acorn gave themselves hope when impressive sub Stewart Ridsdell stormed through for a try and Hough added the conversion.

But the second half belonged to Siddal who cut loose in the final quarter, Acorn's only further points coming from two Hough penalties.

York Groves continued their title charge with an 18-6 win at Mirfield in Yorkshire League division five. Full report in tomorrow's Evening Press.

Updated: 13:21 Monday, February 26, 2001