New Earswick All Blacks Under-14s missed out on silverware by a whisker as they lost a thrilling Yorkshire Continuation Cup final 16-14 against East Leeds.

All Blacks took the lead early on as captain Dan Lofthouse crashed over, but East Leeds soon hit back with a converted try.

The strong running Brian Wright edged the All Blacks in front again with a try, but Leeds scored again to take a half-time lead.

Midway through the second period Leeds scored again and looked to be cruising to a comfortable win.

But a tremendous fightback with another try from Wright and a conversion from Mark Wilson saw the All Blacks come within two points of Leeds with only minutes to go.

Only desperate defence from Leeds kept out Ian Henderson and Pat Smith from snatching victory, and despite constant pressure the gallant All Blacks just ran out of time.

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, May 13, 2004