JACK STEARMAN hailed the "great heart" of his New Earswick All Blacks ARLC outfit as they took an 18-18 draw away from Brotherton Bulldogs in Pennine League Championship.

Having had nearly seven weeks without a game, the White Rose Avenue chief said the club had set the standard for the coming year as they bid to climb up the table.

They were only able to travel with 13 players and they thought they had broken the deadlock after five minutes when Jack Hodgson crossed only to be denied by the referee for an earlier knock on.

Stearman, though, made sure the All Blacks were the first to get on the scoresheet after a trademark crash over and Tom Barron was on target with the conversion.

Brotherton hit back eight minutes later after a sweeping move from left to right, and some rusty New Earswick defending, allowed their centre to go over on the edge. The home side then went 12-6 in front with a converted try but All Blacks hit back ten minutes before half-time.

Hodgson was not to be denied when clever play from dummy half gave him a score on his first outing this season. Barron was on target to level the scores and he put them in front at the break when slotting a penalty in front of the sticks.

The second period proved difficult, with players coughing up possession and silly penalties conceded because of a lack of discipline.

All Blacks held out well, defending numerous sets on their line, but Brotherton broke through with a kick over the top as they forged 18-14 in front.

New Earswick replied with good possession and confident sets and Hodgson found winger Sam Cooper, who scored tight on the right touchline. Barron missed a difficult kick for the lead and both teams tried in vain to set up a drop goal in the last ten minutes.

"The boys today showed great heart, after travelling with 13, and everyone lasting is testament to the work that has been put in over the last few weeks," said Stearman. "It has been really good to get a run out after nearly seven weeks off. We have set our standard for 2016 and looking forward to getting back to White Rose Avenue next week against Stainland."