NEW Earswick All Blacks under-13s have been 'Knighted' thanks to a sponsorship raffle to raise funds for a new kit.

The raffle involved people and businesses paying for the chance to win the shirt sponsorship and the winning ticket was owned by York City Knights captain Rich Hayes.

The 33-year-old, who has recently signed on for another season in the professional game, wanted the shirt sponsorship deal to go to his former York Wasps team-mate Stewart Horton's building firm.

The team, which includes Hayes' son, Mark, must have been boosted by their new kit as they put up their best performance of the season to defeat leaders Lock Lane 10-4 with tries from Kyle Stannard and Luke Watling.

The Castleford side had not been defeated in league and cup for two seasons but had no answer to the pace, power and enthusiasm of the All Blacks.

Updated: 12:09 Friday, December 05, 2003