New Earswick All Blacks depleted but defiant in cup tie (From York Press)

New Earswick All Blacks depleted but defiant in cup tie

10:10am Tuesday 31st January 2012 in Rugby League

New Earswick All Blacks ‘A’ were beaten 80-4 in round two of the Pennine League Andrew Bennett Memorial Cup by a very strong Sharlston Rovers ‘A’.

Despite travelling with just 11 players, New Earswick were determined to fulfil the fixture against all the odds.

Dan Fairclough was the only try scorer for the York outfit, who were 60-0 down at half-time. But they put in a much stronger second half and limited the hosts’ scoring with some dogged defence.

Mathew Coles continued his progress with his best display, while senior player Wayne Foster – the All-Blacks’ man of the match – led by example giving tremendous encouragement to his team-mates.

Loose forward Andy Flecher and Dan Wellard both excelled.

Said All-Blacks vice-chairman Paul Pallisterd: “It was difficult for any team to compete with 11 men against such a strong Sharlston side, but I have to pay tribute to the lads who pulled on the All Blacks shirt and gave everything for the full 80 minutes.”

Selby Warriors ‘A’ lost 32-10 at home to Thornhill Trojans ‘A’ in the Pennine League seventh division.

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