THE best win in the 22-year history of the club.

That was how New Earswick ARLC chairman Charles Rollinson described their stunning GMB Union National Cup defeat of Halton Simms Cross.

The All Blacks' magical run in the competition had already seen them shock National Conference clubs Stanningley and Askam, but this 22-18 victory over the North West Counties champions, secured by a late Mark Green try, topped even those.

Pennine League division two club All Blacks, already the lowest-ranked team still in the competition, now face a plum fifth round tie against National Conference premier division leaders Leigh Miners Rangers in the next round later this month.

Rollinson said: "It was absolutely fantastic, the greatest win in the club's history without a doubt."

Simms Cross came to White Rose Avenue as favourites and went in front after three minutes when their winger burst through from halfway and sent Danny Ruth over under the posts for an easy conversion.

But All Blacks levelled when old stager Alan Pallister's quick-thinking released cousin Carl Pallister, who kicked through and won the race to the ball under the sticks, Dave Carling converting.

Alan Pallister then went over himself as he shrugged off tacklers to ground the ball. Carling converted and added a penalty just before the half-hour mark.

But Simmies struck back six minutes later with a controversial Alan Billington try in the corner. The touch judge believed the player had touched the flag on his way in, but the referee over-ruled him.

To rub salt in All Blacks' wounds, the try was converted and two minutes before half-time, Brian Capewell added a penalty to send the teams in level at the break.

The second half saw some great defensive work from New Earswick, which was rewarded with a long-range Carling penalty, but the visitors appeared to break home hearts with a try by Mick Yearsley to go 18-16 ahead.

However, with eight minutes left, stand-off Green became the hero as he buried his way under four tacklers to ground the ball, Carling goaling.

All Blacks then had to dig deep as Halton pushed for a winner but Simon Baynes' men - for whom man of the match Dan Wellard, who switched to second-row from centre, Alan Pallister and Green were immense - held out for the momentous win.

Elland, who face York City Knights in the Challenge Cup next week, lost 26-10 in their National Cup tie at East Hull.

Updated: 11:06 Monday, March 07, 2005