NEW Earswick All Blacks are level on points at the top of the Yorkshire Men’s League division one following a 31-18 victory over Mirfield Stags.

The All Blacks, who were narrowly beaten by the Stags both at home and away last season, were quick out of the blocks this weekend and Sean Malarkey scored after only eight minutes. Tom Holmes added the extras.

Dean Smith increased the lead after 14 minutes - going over untouched on the left hand side. Holmes kicked through the posts again.

Dec Malarkey, who was making his return to first team rugby, was denied a try when powering over but the referee adjudged him to be held up.

Stand off Tom Barron got the first of two tries on 26 minutes when he held off Mirfield defenders before touching down to the left of the sticks.

Holmes was again successful with the conversion.

Trailing 18-0, Mirfield finally got on the scoresheet on 34 minutes when Kieron Blacker powered through the defensive line to put the ball down for a try. Fullback Ross Hayden converted.

They scored again just two minutes later when Ross Hayden touched down after a kick through the All Blacks’ defence. The conversion was missed.

Man of the match Barron completed his brace early in the second half when he intercepted a pass, dodged and weaved between multiple defenders, and put the ball down under the sticks. Holmes maintained his 100 per cent record with the conversion.

On 54 minutes, Mirfield scored after New Earswick conceded a penalty deep in their own half. Scott Bradley went over the line but Hayden missed the subsequent conversion.

Mirfield reduced the gap to just six points with another try on the hour mark but the conversion was missed.

New Earswick threatened the Mirfield line but couldn’t break through. However, when Holmes kicked a drop goal, it left Mirfield needing to score twice with only six minutes to go.

Alex Wilkins sealed the New Earswick victory - breaking the line on half way to streak home for his sixth try of the season.

Holmes had the final say of the game when kicking yet another conversion.

Meanwhile, the New Earswick All Blacks ‘A’ team enjoyed a 54-14 victory over neighbours Heworth ‘A’ in the opening game of the Yorkshire Mens League Entry League season.

Devon Smith(4), Mike Horton(2), Matty Williams (2), Tom Hields and Dominic Judge scored tries for the All Blacks with conversions came from Hields (4), Harvey, Baynes (2) and Williams.

Heworth’s tries were scored by Ronnie Hodgson, Max Cary and Jordan Powell who also added a goal.