NEW Earswick All Blacks got the psychological edge ahead of their White Rose Trophy final against Hunslet Old Boys as they won the Yorkshire League fixture between the sides 13-10.

It was Hunslet's first defeat in two years and although the match was littered with penalties - the over-fussy referee gave 37 in all, plus six sin-binnings and one sending-off for kicking - it proved a worthy division one win for the York side.

Man of the match Alan Pallister went over on seven minutes for All Blacks but Hunslet soon got their impressive back line working to score a converted try.

The hosts extended their lead on 28 minutes with a penalty and, although Carl Pallister responded in kind, Hunslet booted another two-pointer to make it 10-6 at the break.

All Blacks took more control in the second half with forwards Jo Jo Hnesh, Jez Petch and in particular Jamie Rhodes running well.

After good build-up play from Mick Harrison and John Leach, Lee Nelson took the ball from acting-half ten yards out, went blind and beat three defenders to score, and Carl Pallister booted another penalty on 66 minutes to put the All Blacks in front.

Hunslet looked set to retake the lead with ten minutes left as their scrum-half broke free but Matt Godfrey chased him down to end Hunslet's last serious effort.

Harrison rounded off the scoring on 73 minutes with a drop goal.

Updated: 12:01 Monday, April 07, 2003