UNDER-STRENGTH New Earswick under-16s put up a spirited display before losing 16-0 to Castleford Panthers.

Earswick were on top early on with strong running from Dan Lofthouse and prop Sam Waite setting up chances for winger John Taal and impressive full-back Jack Sinclair. But Panthers rode out the storm and against the run of play scored the only try of the half.

Lofthouse led by example in the second half supported by Andy Jackson but All Blacks ran out of ideas in the danger zone and let in two more tries.

York Acorn U14s were swept aside in the second half as they lost 50-0 to first division side Hunslet Warriors in a friendly. Man of the match for Acorn was Jordan Hyde for his competitive display.

New Earswick U13s also lost to a higher ranked side as Victoria Gladiators' big pack pushed them towards a 26-6 result.

Jack Maude got All Blacks' consolation try just before half-time, goaled superbly from the touchline by Dean Layton, while hard-working centres Joe Dey, the joint-man of the match with Kieran O'Malley, and Liam Dawson topped the tackle count.

Updated: 11:55 Thursday, November 03, 2005