Pennine League club New Earswick All Blacks have held their open age presentation night.

The first team award winners were coaches’ player of the year Jo Hnesh, who was also top try-scorer with ten tries, players’ player of the year Chris Spain, and most improved player Adam Kirby.

The ‘A’ team award winners were top try-scorer Elliot Bridges, with 16 tries, coaches’ player of the year Jack Carling, most improved player Michael Wall, and players’ player of the year Declan Malarkey.

The first team had an up and, ultimately, down season, which ended with them in the relegation zone of the premier division.

All Blacks picked up only two victories between September and December, one in the Yorkshire Cup against Cutsyke, and only one in the league, against Siddal ‘A’.

After the long winter break, they hit a four-match unbeaten run, defeating Keighley Albion, Halifax Irish and Crigglestone, and remarkably drawing with big-guns Sharlston Rovers after being 22-6 behind. However, three defeats in last four games saw the All Blacks finish ninth.

New Earswick ‘A’ had a much better year, gaining a third consecutive promotion by finishing second in the fifth division.

They started the season with seven consecutive wins and ended 2009 with only one defeat. In 2010, All Blacks ‘A’ reached the semi-finals of the Pennine League Supplementary Cup before securing promotion in their last match by beating Silsden Park Rangers 39-30.

New Earswick also reached the York Accident Cup final but lost 26-18 to Selby Warriors.

Meanwhile, York Ladies, formerly New Earswick Ladies, are waiting to find out who they face in the National Conference Women’s East Division play-offs that start later this month. York finished third after winning four games and losing two.

New players are welcome to go down to training. Sessions are on Mondays and Wednesdays. For further details, phone Phil Johnson on 07766 465086.