New Earswick All Blacks ARLC chairman Charles Rollinson has hailed coaches Simon Baynes and Alan Pallister for their startling success in turning the club around.

The All Blacks were on the brink of calling it a day three years ago but after Baynes took the reins, to be joined soon after by former York Wasps captain Pallister, the change in fortunes at White Rose Avenue has been astonishing.

This turnaround culminated in Saturday's stunning GMB Union National Cup fourth round victory over North West Counties champions Halton Simms Cross, which brought the York outfit a plum tie away to Leigh Miners Rangers, who are joint-top in the British Amateur Rugby League Association's flagship league, the National Conference.

"What Simon and Alan have done for the club over the last three years has been brilliant," said Rollinson.

"They've taken us from on the verge of folding to the top of Pennine League division two and into the last 16 of the National Cup. It's been a magnificent coaching achievement."

Baynes hasn't quite hung up his boots, playing whenever required, but he has taken a bigger role on the sidelines while old stager Pallister is the coach on the pitch.

"It's a joint effort," said Rollinson. "Simon took over three years ago and Pally joined not long after when we restructured."

That restructuring came after All Blacks finished bottom of the Yorkshire League senior division with just one win to their name.

Since then they improved their standing in the Yorkshire League before this term switching to the Pennine League, in which they have lost just twice in 14 matches and are embroiled in a three-horse race for promotion. Their stunning National Cup run, meanwhile, has seen shock defeats of National Conference clubs Stanningley and Askam and now Halton Simms Cross.

"It was absolutely unbelievable," said Rollinson of Saturday's win. "Simms Cross must be ranked among the top five amateur teams in the country."

As reported by the Press, that victory was secured by a late Mark Green try, the stand-off being one of several players to return to or join the club under the duo's leadership.

"The club has never been so happy," said Rollinson. "Players are going out with a smile on their face, they can't wait to play the game. Simon and Pally have had that effect on the club. Players are enjoying training and enjoying the games."

The goal now is promotion, and Rollinson has high hopes: "Hopefully we will go up to Pennine division one and our aim would then be to win that and get into the top tier."

GMB Union National Cup

Fifth round draw: Castleford Panthers v West Hull, Crosfields v Kells, Leigh Miners Rangers v New Earswick All Blacks, Thatto Heath v Skirlaugh, Wath Brow v Rochdale Mayfield, Sharlston Rovers v Ince Rosebridge, Wigan St Jude's v East Hull, Wigan St Patrick's v Eastmoor Dragons. Ties to be played on Saturday, March 26.

Updated: 09:31 Tuesday, March 08, 2005