New Earswick ARLFC Ladies threw away a 20-4 half-time lead to lose 24-20 to Stanningley in their opening game of the National Conference Women’s East Division.

New Earswick, looking to continue their good form at the end of the winter season, started strongly with two tries in the opening five minutes.

Loose-forward Bev Langan powered over from close range and centre Jenny Garwood scored after good quick passing down the line, Carly Hilton converting.

Stanningley replied with a try but New Earswick prop Kay Rollinson powered in, Hilton converting, and Natalie Hatfield scored a typical hooker’s try for the 20-4 lead at the break.

However, Stanningley roared back with four second-half tries without reply.

Langan was New Earswick’s player of the match, with strong efforts also from stand-off Teri Chu and debutants Kay Rollinson and substitute Lou Deakin.

New Earswick travel to the Hearwell Stadium, home of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, on Sunday to take on Leeds Akkies in a curtain-raiser to Wakefield’s Super League match against Harlequins.