NEW Earswick All Blacks lifted the York & District Amateur Rugby League Cup after an 18-6 victory over York Acorn.

The two sides were evenly matched in the final at Heworth’s Elm Park Way ground, but the flow of the game was spoiled by a penalty count of 30.

In a tight opening ten minutes, both sides were looking to exploit errors.

The All Blacks were the first to break through when stand-off Adam Caddie broke down the line and winger Dean Smith scored in the corner in the 13th minute.

They added to their lead after a period of pressure when a well placed kick through by scrum-half Liam Gargan was picked up by centre Chris Spain, who crossed for an unconverted try.

The half-time score was 8-0, but Acorn raised their game at the start of the second half.

The Blue and Golds scored a converted try on 45 minutes to close the gap to two points.

However, the All Blacks tightened their grip on the game with a third try.

A superb chip over the Acorn defence by Gargan was plucked out of the air by hooker Jack Hodgson, who crashed over near the posts. The score was converted by Caddie.

The victory was assured when a powerful drive by Dan Atkinson resulted in an unconverted try.

The victory included solid displays from props Wayne Foster and Atkinson, plus scrum-half Gargan.

The All Blacks ‘A’ side are next in action on Monday, May 4 on the Pennine League’s finals day at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley’s Stadium.

The Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy final between Slaithwaite Saracens and Wibsey Warriors kicks off proceedings at 11am, following by New Earswick ‘A’ against Siddal ‘B’ in the Supplementary Cup final at 1.15pm.

The third match, the President’s Cup final, between Sharlston Rovers and West Bowling ‘A’, kicks off at 3.30pm.

Acorn’s ‘A’ team travel to Bentley Good Companions on Saturday (2.30pm) in the CMS Yorkshire League division two top four play-offs.

Meanwhile, New Earswick will hold their presentation evening at the Monk Bar Hotel on May 23.

The club are also setting up an association for ex-players.

Anyone interested is asked to attend the awards ceremony or phone coach Simon Baynes on 07775 662797.

* BROTHERTON beat Sherburn 30-0 in the final of the Selby & District Cup.