Selby Warriors were quickest out of the blocks in the York and District Cup semi-final against New Earswick All Blacks - but it was the All Blacks who held the pace for the 34-10 win.

Selby prop Matt Stevenson put the hosts into an early lead with a try converted by Wayne Fennel.

But All Blacks hit back within three minutes as winger Lee Nelson crashed over in the corner to pull it back to 6-4.

On 22 minutes, hooker Alan Pallister got a second try for the All Blacks from a set-piece to edge them in front 6-8.

The Warriors came agonisingly close to regaining a foothold with a try but for a tremendous try-saving tackle by full back Phil Turpin. Ben Jones then kicked through for Carl Pallister to go over and extend New Earswick's lead further.

Outstanding All Blacks second row forward Jamie Rhodes fed Carl Pallister with half time nearing, who gave an inside pass to Mark Tipping to score, and with barely seconds left on the clock, Carl Pallister combined with Jojo Hnesh to release Alan Pallister for his second, Jones kicking the extras to take the score to 6-22 at half-time.

Selby had a substitute dismissed for a fracas on the whistle and heralded a scrappy second half.

But Jones was still on form with a neat side-step manoeuvre to earn a try, which he converted himself after 15 minutes. Nelson then added his second of the day, Jones again on target with the kick, before two more players were sent off. Carl Barrow for the All Blacks for an alleged high tackle, followed by another Selby Warrior for dissent to the touch judge.

And although it had little impact on the score line, Shaun Austerfield ran over a late unconverted try for the Warriors.

The ever battling Selby lost two players to hospital during the match, second row Sean Barker being stretchered off with a nasty leg injury and new centre Craig Caldwell joined him shortly after being knocked out cold from a clash of heads, despite the best efforts of the St John Ambulance volunteers.

Man of the match was Carl Pallister with Jez Petch and Mark Boitoit close behind for New Earswick.

The All Blacks will now take on Acorn in the cup final on May Day at Heworth's Elm Park Way ground, kick off 11am. Admission will be £2 with OAPs and Under-18s free.

Updated: 09:48 Tuesday, April 27, 2004