New Earswick All Blacks ARLC are teetering on the brink of relegation from the Pennine League premier division after a 12-6 home defeat by St Josephs.

It was a major set-back for an under-strength New Earswick side without Ben Jones, Liam Gargan and Alan Pallister.

St Josephs took the lead on 22 minutes with a converted try and added a penalty for an 8-0 half-time lead.

All Blacks started the second half brightly and second-rower Adam Kirby powered over for a converted try to narrow the gap.

The hosts applied pressure, but were unable to break though and the visitors clinched victory with a try seven minutes from time.

New Earswick’s man-of-the-match was full-back Joe Stearman, while there were strong performances from centre Steve Perks and prop Jo Hnesh.

The defeat leaves All Blacks in seventh place, a point above safety.

Second-placed New Earswick ‘A’ continued their push for division five promotion with a 4-0 victory against Bradford side Queensbury ‘A’ in awful conditions.

Midway through the second half, New Earswick winger Dan Fairclough kicked a penalty and he added a second kick to seal the win.

Man-of-the-match was prop Robbie Beavers, who was backed up by prop Sam Waite and second-rower Michael Wall.

Selby Warriors prevailed over Littleborough to reach the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy semi-finals. The Warriors shaded the last eight meeting 12-10.

But there was no joy for Selby Warriors ‘A’ team. They lost their Pennine League division seven outing at Odsal Sedbergh ‘A’ 30-6.

Points machine Craig Fox scored a hat-trick of tries and three goals as York Acorn ‘A’ beat Milford ‘A’ 22-6 in CMS Yorkshire League division two.

Former first-teamer Dave Norman marked his return with a man-of-the-match display. Acorn’s other points came from a Denis Wellard try.