NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC were edged out 32-28 at Bentley Good Companions in a tight opening game in the Pennine League Championship.

The All Blacks were unlucky not to pick up a victory as they battled back in the closing stages but were denied a match-winning score.

The visitors took the lead when loose forward Jack Sinclair barged his way over for an unconverted try.

Although Bentley hit back with a converted try to lead 6-4, the All Blacks responded when substitute forward Jack Stearman broke through the line and fed stand-off Tom Holmes to score.

Holmes converted to make it 10-6.

Bentley regained the upper hand with a converted try but again All Blacks matched them as hooker Jack Carling powered over for Holmes to again add the extras.

The half-time advantage was with Bentley, however, as they scored just before the break to lead 18-16.

Bentley extended that gap with a try just after the restart, but All Blacks levelled when second rower Carl Smith powered over and Holmes converted.

The hosts regained the lead and stretched the advantage further with a converted try.

All Blacks narrowed the deficit when centre Adam Kirby crossed and Holmes added the goal.

Despite the visitors mounting pressure in the dying minutes, they were unable to get the decisive score to snatch the points.

The man of the match for the All Blacks was hooker Carling, and he was backed up well by half-back Liam Gargan and prop Nic Caldwell.

Selby Warriors started their division four campaign with a 30-6 defeat at home to Crofton Cougars.

Sherburn Bears' game at home to Wortley Dragons in the same division was postponed.

Selby Warriors 'A' were without a game in division six east, and are scheduled to start their season at home to Harehills Pidgeons on Saturday.