NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC's brave display ended in despair as they were edged out 32-30 by Pennine League championship leaders Mirfield.

It was All Blacks' first game for six weeks due to bad weather and injury-enforced call-offs and they looked set for a shock win - only for two tries in the last four minutes, plus a conversion on the final hooter, to give the hosts the spoils.

All Blacks' ring-rustiness was evident as Mirfield bagged two early converted tries but they rallied and got back into the arm wrestle.

Two pinpoint Liam Gargan kicks saw Dean Smith twice score in the left corner, Tom Holmes goaling both.

Jack Carling then put Earswick in front, forcing his way over from acting-half, Holmes' conversion making it 18-12 at the break.

Mirfield came out firing and drew level, only for Adam Kirby to exploit a gap and reach to the whitewash, Holmes goaling.

Mirfield crossed again and, although the conversion attempt hit an upright, they then had an extra man for ten minutes as All Blacks player-coach Jack Stearman was sin-binned for dissent.

However, Earswick held strong and man-of-the-match Tom Barron exposed defensive mistakes to increased their lead, Holmes keeping his 100 per cent record with the conversion and then a penalty for a 32-22 lead.

However, fatigue set in and Mirfield took advantage at the death.

Selby Warriors likewise took on table-top opposition in division two and were only just beaten, 28-22, at Cutsyke Raiders.

Sherburn Bears avenged their only defeat to date in division four east by beating Allerton Bywater 'A' 34-12 in their quick rematch to stay top of the table.