MATT Godfrey was man of the match as New Earswick All Blacks continued their recent good form with a hard earned 26-18 win against Batley Boys in the Yorkshire League senior division.

All Blacks took control early on when John Leach made a great break inside his own half before passing to Godfrey - brother of York City Knights winger Alex - who beat the full-back for pace to score wide out.

All Blacks extended their lead soon after when Carl Pallister forced his way over from close range after concerted pressure.

It looked as though the hosts would take a 10-0 lead into half-time when James Sanderson added a penalty, but Batley put in some smart work to bring the score back to 10-6 at the break.

All Blacks started the second half well and, after James Sanderson had added another penalty, a good pass by Leach put Tom Coomber through a gap on the halfway line, and he took the ball to the full-back before feeding Dan Wellard to score near the posts.

All Blacks were now 18 -6 in front and well in control and went further ahead when Mick Harrison added two drop goals.

All Blacks finished their scoring on the hour mark when good work by Jo Jo Hnesh saw Lee Nelson go over in the corner, Sanderson adding the conversion.

All Blacks then appeared to relax and it was all Batley in the last 15 minutes, the visitors managing to go over for two converted tries albeit in vain.

More amateur rugby league reports and results later in the week.

Updated: 12:42 Monday, November 17, 2003