THE unbeaten run held by New Earswick All Blacks ARLFC under- 12s ended when Moldgreen posted a convincing 26-4 triumph in the preliminary round of the Continuation Cup.

New Earswick paid for a slow start in their defensive lines with Moldgreen crossing for three unanswered tries to hold a 16-0 advantage at half-time.

In the second half, the All Blacks roused from their lethargy and started to use the ball better and more expansively.

A ball out wide was collected by Ritesh Gurung, who wasn’t going to be stopped. He crossed for the All Blacks’ only score of the game.

Gunes Simsek took the top tackle award with a superb one-on-one try-saving intervention.

Lewis Young and try-scorer Gurung were joint opposition players of the match, while Sam Briggs received both the parents’ player and most improved honours.

Heworth U11s were unlucky to go down to Batley in a fiercely fought game.

Players’ player of the match Josh Atkin Stone opened the scoring with a neat pick-up and dash.

Soon after, man of the match Luke Kane spotted a gap and scooted under two defenders to increase the advantage.

But Batley utilised their big pack and, despite some big hits from Will Spencer, Heworth were unable to stop the opposition.

Most improved player Max Hodgson again shone among the backs, while Heworth’s efforts were rewarded when Leon Mooring crashed over. However, the conversion kick hit an upright giving Batley the narrowest of wins.

Heworth U8s produced an improved performance against a strong Oulton side, but it still proved nolt enough to get their first positive result of the season.

One of the villagers’ try-scorers, Adam Hodgson, earned the parents’ man of the match award, while Charlie Cockerill, Issac Cook and the strong-running Johnathan Hartley also received certificates for their efforts.