New Earswick All Blacks pulled off a shock 20-16 win in the Pennine League premier division with an impressive display against third-placed Siddal ‘A’ at White Rose Avenue.

All Blacks welcomed back into their ranks Tom Hodgson, the former York City Knights hooker, and he impressed thoughout the game.

After a deadlocked opening 20 minutes, the All Blacks should have gone in front when centre Chris Spain with only a lone Siddal defender to beat was hit with a blatant head high-tackle.

The referee awarded a penalty and Siddal were fortunate not to have the player sent off. Soon after Carl Fernandez spilled the ball as a certain try beckoned.

Despite being under stern pressure, the visitors notched a converted try against the run of play as the All Blacks defence stood waiting for the referee to blow for a knock-on. But soon after, Hodgson charged down a kick, collected the ball and raced 30 yards to score a try, Fernandez converting.

Returning from injury, Liam Gargan sold a terrific dummy pass and side step to take the All Blacks into a well-earned half-time lead with a try converted again by Fernandez.

The second half saw All Blacks continue to produce fine disciplined play and forward Wayne Foster returned to the field to cause Siddal problems.

But a rare defensive error from full-back Steve Perks enabled the visitors to level at 12-12 with a converted try.

Fernandez’ penalty restored the All Blacks’ lead before a knock-on opened the way for the alert Hodgson to gather and notch the final decisive try. Fernandez completed his 100 per cent goal record with the conversion.

However, the hosts had to negotiate a nail-biting last ten minutes in which Siddal gained a last-gasp unconverted try.

Skipper Dan Wellard praised “an awesome defensive effort” to hold out, while coach Simon Baynes saluted All Blacks’ mental toughness to dig deep and secure a shock triumph.

Ben Jones was given the man-of-the-match award but was pushed by Wellard with Alan Pallister also excelling, but All Blacks as a unit can take credit in what was a class preformance.

The win eased the York side off the bottom after now boasting a better points difference over fellow strugglers Kippax Welfare.

The New Earswick All Blacks ‘A’ match at Melthem was called off due to a water-logged pitch.

Selby Warriors powered to their ninth win in 11 games to head Pennine League division four.

Within 16 minutes winger Steve Wilkes crossed for three tries, created by the forward mastery of Jody Shaw, Mark Hansen and Justin Priest.

The rout continued with second rower John Harrison scoring his first try of the season.

Teenager winger Stevie Bell then crossed after a great run from Matthew Barnaby before, on the stroke of half-time, captain Wayne Fennell scored his 39th of the season racing in from 40 yards for a 44-6 half-time score.

Selby eased off the gas after the break, but there were further tries from Bell, Fennell (2) and winger David Makin, while Paul Berriman kicked eight conversions.

But there was not such good fortune for the Warriors’ reserve ranks. They perished 44-18 at home to Whitworth Spartans in division seven.