New Earswick ARLC maintained their leadership of Pennine League division two with another comprehensive victory - but then learned their grip on the title has been loosened by the rule-book.

The All Blacks turned on the style in the second half of their match at Liversedge to score 22 unanswered points in a 28-2 triumph.

The result kept them two points ahead of second-placed Kippax with six games to go and, although the West Yorkshire side have a game in hand, the York club will stay ahead due to a far better points-difference, even after Kippax's 70-0 thumping of Stainland Stags.

However, the All Blacks have since learned that that advantage means nothing as final placings should clubs finish level on points are decided not by points-difference but by a play-off.

Chairman Charles Rollinson admitted the club had been unaware of the rule, this being their first season in the Pennine League after switching from the Yorkshire League.

Nonetheless, New Earswick have stayed in form on the pitch, not least with their display at fourth-placed Liversedge.

The All Blacks' defence restricted the hosts to a single penalty goal, man of the match prop Eddie Keeping, Jamie Rhodes and Nigel Wilson to the fore against a big pack.

Hooker Alan Pallister had given New Earswick the lead by forcing his way over, Dave Carling adding a penalty, and they turned on the attacking style in the second half.

Pallister twisted out of three tackles before sending scrum-half Ben Jones over, and then came the try of the match, with fine rugby seeing the ball go through substitute Mark Green, making his first appearance since rejoining the club, Chris Judge and Carl Pallister to winger Paul Dooley, who raced to the posts, Carling goaling.

A set move from a scrum saw Judge waltz in unopposed, and a superb break at the death from Jones ended with excellent centre Dan Wellard going over, James Sanderson goaling both.

York Acorn 'A' reached the semi-finals of the Pennine League's Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy by winning 25-22 at Boothtown Terriers, a side who are going well in the division above.

The excellent day for the Blue and Golds reserves was marred slightly as they lost top spot in division four to Wyke, but the North Leeds side have played three games more.

York Groves had a tough day at Bank Top Harriers, being beaten 48-0 by the only side throughout the league with a 100 per cent record, who thus closed the gap to division five leaders Selby Warriors, who were held to a 24-24 draw by mid-table side West Bowling 'B'.

Updated: 10:56 Tuesday, February 22, 2005