NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC took plenty of positives from their opening game of the Yorkshire Men's League premier division season despite defeat.

All Blacks, promoted last term, travelled to a Batley Boys side who have remained unbeaten in their last two league campaigns and pushed them close before going down 14-6.

Of even more encouragement for the All Blacks was the fact they fielded six under-18s, including 16-year-old Reece Ounsley on debut at half-back.

Player-coach Jack Stearman said: "I couldn't have asked for more from the boys. There are so many positives to take from this performance, not least our defence.

"We have more to work on and are really looking forward to playing regular premier division rugby."

It didn't start well for New Earswick, as they had to defend seven of the game's first nine sets. Finally a poor defensive read saw Batley stroll in under the sticks for a converted try.

From them on, though, it was a tough encounter with defences on top until half-time.

The second half started well for the All Blacks as they got close to the Batley line.

However, a grubber kick went dead, Batley countered, aided by a couple of quick play-the-balls, and a short-side play brought their second converted try.

All Blacks suddenly got back into it. After the forwards made some great yards, a neat kick was pounced on below the sticks by Will Holmes, Connor Calam converting to half the deficit.

A couple of sets later, after some flowing rugby, pinpoint chip by Calam saw Danny Byworth finish neatly in the corner -only for the try to be ruled out for offside.

With a couple minutes left on the clock, Batley booted a penalty to secure the result.

Scott Birch was All Blacks' man of the match, followed closely by fellow prop Mark Hayes and loose-forward Tommy Hields.