New Earswick suffered a narrow 28-24 defeat at the hands of visitors Siddal ‘A’ with the All Blacks close to picking up the Pennine League premier division points.

Siddal took the lead with a converted try after seven minutes.

The All Blacks hit back in the 18th minute with good play down the middle, scrum-half Ben Jones breaking through the line to put full-back Dan Fairclough in for an unconverted try.

Siddal extended their lead with a converted try, but Earswick stand-off Chris Spain eased Jones in under the sticks with Jones converting his first of four kicks.

Two penalty goals from Jones put New Earswick ahead at the break.

After an unconverted try from Siddal early in the second half, All Blacks countered when Jones exchanged passes with Dean Smith before the former went over. He also tagged on the extras.

But two Siddal penalties confirmed an eight-point lead with ten minutes left and New Earswick down to 12 men after prop Dan Atkinson was sin-binned.

Still the All Blacks pressed and crossed through Joe Stearman, but the kick was missed and time eventually ran out.

Said assistant coach Alan Pallister: “It was a solid team performance but penalties cost us.”

The All Blacks had strong performances from man of the match Jones, Spain and Atkinson.

In division five, New Earswick All Blacks ‘A’ extended their unbeaten start with a 26-23 defeat of visiting Wibsey Warriors ‘A’.

The hosts were 11-10 down at the break but fought back to win with tries from full-back Carl Fernandez, who also kicked five goals, hooker Jack Carling and centre Jack Law, each crossing twice.

New Earswick had strong performances from man of the match Law, hooker Jack Carling and second rower Dan Battle.

Selby Warriors lost their unbeaten start to the season and also pole position in the Pennine League fourth division when they lost 44-10 at Drighlington ‘A’.

The home ranks were strengthened by several first teamers after their senior side, currently second in the premier division, were without a fixture at the weekend.

But Selby Warriors ‘A’ maintained their upsurge in form with a comprehensive 50-38 win over visiting Wetherby Bulldogs to cement fourth spot in division seven.