PLAYER-BOSS Jack Stearman lauded a "real boost for the season" after his New Earswick All Blacks ARLC side reached the Forty-20 Cup final in their maiden campaign in the Yorkshire Men's League.

All Blacks, having only just switched to summer rugby, gained early encouragement by winning through the group section of this predominantly pre-season competition - and it has now got even better thanks to a shock 30-22 Easter victory over North Hull Knights in their semi-final a Shaw Park.

North Hull play a division above but New Earswick's controlled display saw them build a match-winning position, stave off a late fightback and ultimately set up a final against Oulton Raiders on May 27.

The York side return to YML division one action on Saturday at home to West Hull 'A'.

“The lads were outstanding," said Stearman of the semi-final win. "We knew before the game we had nothing to lose and they gave everything.

"We always thought it would be a tough game to go to North Hull and win. They’re a good side and it was a great result for us and a real boost for the season.

"We had some good speed around the rucks and working hard on that in training really contributed.

"We’ve got a bit of time before the final against Oulton and we’ll be looking to build on this performance. If we concentrate on our own game, stick to the plan, there’s no reason why we can’t go out there and win it.”

Both sides went into the game on the back of league defeats and both looked to make their mark quickly.

North Hull carved out the better early chances, only to be bundled into touch and then held up on the try-line, and, instead, All Blacks took the lead nine minutes in, after a move that started near their own 20-metre line.

Breaking fast from defence, a flowing attack took them inside the Knights 20 where they won a penalty. Turning down an easy two-pointer, they moved ball moved quickly left, where Dan Atkinson crossed, Tom Holmes goaling.

More pressure on 15 minutes saw a high kick test the Knights defence, the ball ending in New Earswick hands, with Sean Malarkey crossing.

Only good defence prevented another try, All Blacks forced into touch, but a Holmes penalty eked the lead up further.

North Hull's Jak Tuttle replied with a try after a lucky ricochet from a kick, but All Blacks extended the interval lead to 18-4 as prop Stearman held off defenders to go in under the posts, Holmes goaling.

A smart dummy nearly brought All Blacks further reward on the resumption and, with the penalty count growing in their favour, a strong run saw Dan Atkinson break through to the posts, Tom Holmes goaling for a decisive 24-4 lead.

North Hull stayed in the tie as pressure on the All Blacks line saw Paul Jackson cross and Tuttle convert.

But New Earswick grabbed a key score on the hour, a quick tap seeing Stearman cross again, with a another Holmes penalty then making it 30-10.

North Hull found a spark in the last 10 minutes with two converted tries in as many minutes through Liam Frenneaux and Tuttle, but it was too little too late.