BATTLING New Earswick All Blacks ARLC produced a top drawer performance as they were edged out 12-6 by unbeaten Pennine League premier division leaders Drighlington.

The All Blacks started the White Rose Avenue clash strongly, keeping Drighlington pinned in their half.

Chances were created, but Drighlington’s defence produced three try-saving tackles.

But it was the visitors who made the first breakthrough against the run of play as Tom Moody scored a converted try on 20 minutes.

A well-worked All Blacks move saw Jack Sinclair crash over for a try, and Nick Speck added the goal.

The All Blacks had the chance to take a half-time lead with a penalty attempt from 40 metres out, but Speck’s attempt fell just short.

In the second half, solid defensive efforts from skipper Dan Wellard and man of the match Chris Spain kept Drighlington at bay until 15 minutes from time, when Moody crossed for a second converted try.

All Blacks put pressure on the Drig’ line and crossed the whitewash only to fail to ground the ball.

The All Blacks’ young half-backs, Jack Hodgson and substitute Speck, were outstanding, while prop Alan Davison and substitute forward Sam Waite also put in big performances.

Liam Gargan, who suffered a shoulder injury, insisted the All Blacks had enough quality to avoid relegation.

“This side can stay up,” he said. “We are capable of taking the points we need.”

Meanwhile, second-placed All Blacks ‘A’ were held to an 18-18 draw at Cowling Harlequins in division six.

All Blacks started well, with senior player Jez Petch bagging the first try and Carl Fernandaz kicking his first of three goals.

Jo Jo Henesh extended the lead before half-time with a well taken converted try, although Cowling responded with an unconverted try.

Cowling started to hit back in the second half and took an 18-12 lead before Jack Carling scored a vital try, converted by Fernandaz.

All Blacks’ James Sanderson was taken to hospital after suffering a serious ankle injury in the first half.

Heworth ‘A’ continued their fine form in Yorkshire League division four from when they defeated Eastmoor Dragons ‘A’ 32-4 at Elmpark Way.

With the wet conditions making handling difficult it took some time for the Villagers to settle and the first try was set up for Gary Watkinson by Paul Watson to score under the posts. Watkinson added the conversion.

Eastmoor quickly responded with an unconverted try from close in but that was the only blip on the home display.

Watson chipped over the visitors’ defence to re-gather and touchdown for his second try which he also goaled before winger Chris Taylor raced over in the corner.

The hard-working visitors kept Heworth at bay until the hour when Kenny Embleton powered over following good work by Danny Sinclair. The latter then scooted 50 metres for a deserved try, both goaled by Watkinson.

Man of the match Mike Crossman, Rob Ainsworth and Kevin Gott repelled all away raids and in the last minute Watkinson raced 80 metres for the try of the match.

York Acorn ‘A’ saw their Alliance Cup quarter-final at Castleford Panthers postponed, while Selby Warriors prevailed 46-40 at home to Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks in division four of the Pennine League.