New Earswick suffered their first Pennine League first division east defeat in four games going down 22-18 to Birstall Victoria.

All Blacks started well, prop Dan Wright powering over from close range for an unconverted try after eight minutes.

But Birstall hit back with two converted scores to lead 12-4 at the break.

Birstall added an early second-half converted try but New Earswick responded with Wright powering to his second try.

All Blacks closed the gap further when substitute Max Brachen received a pass to score. He added the extras.

After Birstall kicked a penalty, New Earswick cut the gap to two points with centre Chris Spain powering over from close range for an unconverted try.

However, a last-minute penalty sealed the win for Birstall, though All Blacks still head the league.

Man of the match for New Earswick was second rower Dan Wellard with strong performances from Wright and scrum-half Andy Henson.

New Earswick All Blacks ‘A’ lost 22-10 to hosts Queens ‘A’ in Pennine League division four.

In a poor opening 20 minutes, All Blacks allowed Queens to build a 16-point half-time lead.

All Blacks started stronger in the second half with hooker Mikey Horton darting over from acting half, but the only real defensive error of the half allowed Queens to extend their lead with a converted try.

With a quick tap Queens were punished for offside and the ref advanced the penalty three times for dissent, which led to a sin-binning for the Queens scrum-half.

Taking advantage, a great passing move ended with skipper Ben Cooper scoring the try of the match, James Palllister converting.

But the visitors were unable to again break Queens’ strong defence line and ended the match one man short with Wayne Foster in the sin-bin for a late high shot.

Cooper was man of the match with Mark Tipping close behind as All Blacks dropped into the relegation zone.

Patched-up Heworth ‘A’ were unable to contain visitors Castleford Panthers ‘A’, who won the Yorkshire League division three encounter 36-4.

The Panthers raced into a 10-0 lead before the Villagers had settled.

Heworth, showing plenty of spirit, took the game to the visitors only to find a strong defence thwarting their raids.

The unbeaten leaders led 20-0 before the outstanding Paul Gill capitalised on good work by Kenny Embleton to cross in the corner for a deserved home try.

Gill was named Heworth’s man of the match, closely followed by Ross Varley and Joel Clarke.