Neither side could be promoted or relegated depending on the result of this game and in the circumstances a rather dull affair could have been forecast.  As it was both sides played as though their lives depended on the result and the resulting entertainment was almost sufficient to keep out the bitterly cold wind.

Malton started brightly playing into the strong northerly wind and had the visitors on the ropes with some aggressive forward play and a willingness to then open the game out , an area which has not been a strong point of late.  New half back pairing of Edmund Pang and Dominic Mullen had much to do with the improvement in that department with Ian Cooke adding his skills at outside centre.  The early pressure was telling on Selby who conceded a penalty forty metres out and just out of kicking range.  However, some back chat to the referee saw them being sent back a further ten metres and Mullen recorded his first points in first team rugby.  Selby came straight back and had Malton under the cosh close to the line.  The defence was water tight with wing Elliot Richardson showing that his season in Australia had been greatly beneficial with some massive tackles and young Pang , the smallest man on the field,  showing no fear in taking on all comers.   Malton fought their way out of trouble with some good ball retention and handling skills to again threaten without making the final breakthrough.

Selby again came back and when Malton were penalised for not releasing the ball in the tackle fly half Dan Porter slotted the penalty to level the game. With half an hour gone Selby cleared their lines with a massive wind assisted kick to the corner.  From the line out they drove until stopped before letting the backs have a run.  Again the defence looked to have the move covered but a missed tackle in the centre produced the gap and winger Tom Hatfield scored in the corner .  Porters conversion was wide of the uprights and Malton would have settled for that score at the break.  However, there then followed the most bizarre try ever seen at the Gannock.  Malton were awarded a penalty fully 45 metres out and, with no time for the line out after a kick to touch, opted for the kick at goal.  Mullens kick had so much of a slice that it travelled more towards the touchline than the posts.  The ever alert Pang had followed up so well that he cleanly caught the ball in the face of the visiting pack and off loaded to Cooke who galloped over in the corner to level the scores and round off a good half for Malt.

Selby have had a good season, having  just missed out on a play off place in the league, and began to show why early in the second half.  Five minutes into the half they won a line out and controlled the drive well for flanker Rob Taylor to touch down wide out.  Porter converted with an excellent kick and Selby were in the lead.  The game then see sawed  from end to end with both sides having chances but the defences holding out.  The inevitable substitutions took place, the most telling of which was Sam Triffitt coming into the Malton back row and immediately making his presence felt with a determined foray and stout tackling.  Deep into injury time and with mistakes creeping into the game on both sides Selby turned over possession and quickly moved the ball out to the left wing where Hatfield gleefully crossed for his second try to finish the game and the season for Malton.

Once again skipper Andy Mitchell was outstanding and Duncan Foster was a tower of authority in the line outs and Adam Turnbull and Carl Muscroft got through a terrific amount of work in the loose despite their efforts in the tight scrummages.  All in all a much better display from Malt. with some of the best rugby of the season saved until the last.

Malton: D. Webster, L. Cowton, I. Cooke, S. Badgery(M. Midgley 52 mins), E. Richardson, D. Mullen, A. Turnbull, C. Muscroft, S. Pease (N. Salisbury 65 mins), D. Foster, C. Robson, D. Coates(S. Triffitt 55 mins), A. Mitchell, R. Webster.

Because of mechanical problems with the referees car the game kicked off half an hour after the scheduled kick off time with Malton fielding a very much patched up side owing to injuries and unavailabilities.

Keighley took first use of the stiff breeze and had Malton under the cosh from the kick off.  The visitors defence seemed quite capable of coping with anything Keighley could throw at them until a speculative kick ahead was allowed to bounce and rebound into the hands of a chasing home player who had a clear run to the line to record the opening score.  The conversion was successful and Malton had an uphill battle on their hands.  However, skipper Andy Mitchell was leading from the front with Duncan Foster and Adam Turnbull and it was Keighleys turn to be on the back foot.  However, whenever they got into a promising position the game was stopped either because of a minor injury to a home player or  cynically killing the ball at rucks and mauls.  On another day Keighley could well have found themselves with depleted numbers as a result of the number of penalties they were willing to concede.  They were finally punished when David Webster converted the first of his three penalties to give his side new hope.  That hope was short lived as, within minutes, Keighley converted a penalty when Malton were caught transgressing at a ruck.  The home side again turned the screw and kept Malton pinned into their own half for long periods.  The defence held firm until almost half time when the line finally broke and an overlap was created on the left for Keighley to get an unconverted try in the corner.  With six minutes of injury time played Malton again clawed their way back with another Webster penalty as Keighley were yet again penalised for infringing at a ruck.

The breeze was in Maltons favour for the second period and they were first to strike when Webster again punished Keighley for killing the ball at a ruck and Malton were within one score of the lead.  In what was probably Keighleys only venture into the Malton 22 metre area  the gap was again widened by another three points with a penalty for being on the wrong side of a ruck.  From that point on Malton fought manfully to get back into the game and steal the spoils.  With the home pack visibly wilting the Malton eight gradually got on top.  Nick Salisbury, standing in at hooker, was in the thick of most things and James Machin, playing on the flank, added to the drive of their fellow forwards.   With ten minutes still to go and Malton now playing with much more pace and determination they scored the best try of the game.  When a catch and drive at a line out in the right corner was stopped the ball was quickly transferred across field to the left where winger Elliot Richardson made a penetrating run deep into the home defence and back towards the posts.  Quickly recycled ball reached centre Simon Badgery on the right who crossed the line but was unable to get to ground for the try.  However, full back Ian Cooke was on hand to take the pass and ground the ball.  Websters kick shaved the upright but Malt. were again within a score of winning.  Try as they might they were unable to get the necessary score to take the points.

For next weeks final game of the season Malton entertain Selby and with many of the walking wounded expected to be available and nothing, other than pride, at stake for either club an entertaining encounter can be expected.

Malton: I. Cooke, E. Richardson, S. Badgery, S. Mosey, P. Pateman, D. Webster, L. Cowton, A. Turnbull, N. Salisbury, J. Richards, D. Foster, C. Robson (D. Coates 60 mins), J. Machin, A. Mitchell, R. Webster.

The wind and rain came just in time for kick off and ensured that what could have been a good open game of rugby was reduced to a mud bath and the consequent forward slog.  Indeed, towards the end it was difficult to distinguish one team from the other.

Malton faced the elements in the first half and looked determined as they ran the ball back  at Salem with one typical Ryan Lonsdale break and some very good forward drives.  Salem also had a full head of steam and returned to Malton territory with interest when an unnecessary  high tackle resulted in a penalty for the home side which fly half Booth had no trouble in converting to give Salem the lead after seven minutes.  The Malton defence was fully stretched at times as the home side used the wind to full advantage.  However, a mixture of good defence, especially from the Malton back row, and some basic handling errors by the home side stemmed the flow.  As the weather deteriorated so did the level of rugby.  The number of basic errors increased on both sides and turn over ball was conceded on far too many occasions for comfort.  On twenty five minutes Malton were guilty of handling the ball in a scrum and Booth increased the Salem lead with his second penalty.  That score would have been just what the doctor ordered at the break for Malt. with the elements in their favour for the second period.  Salem though had other ideas and stole the ball at a Malton defensive scrum in the final minute of the half.  The Malton pack were shunted back in the mud for Salem to get a push over try in the corner.  Booth converted beautifully from the touchline to bring the half to an end.

With the wind and rain still persisting Malton soon had Salem in trouble in the second half.  A long clearance kick and chase from fullback Ian Cooke resulted in a line out five metres from the Salem line.  Using a recently introduced move Andy Mitchell took clean ball and dropped it into the hands of Duncan Foster to change the point of attack.  A controlled drive to the line gave flanker Sam Triffitt the first of his brace of tries and renewed hope in the Malton camp.  Ten minutes later Malt. moved nearer to their target when pressure on a Salem scrum saw Triffitt brilliantly charge down the clearing kick and get the touchdown for his second try.  David Webster added the extras and Malton were within a point with thirty minutes to go.  However, the mistakes could not be eliminated and Salem were let off the hook on a number of occasions when possession was lost far too often in contact situations and a first win in many a long year at Salem eluded Malton.

The Malton back row of Triffitt, Mitchell and Simon Badgery got through a terrific amount of work as did others in the pack but if only those had been eliminated a win was on the cards.  The threequarters defended well but, because of the conditions, neither side was able to expand successfully. 

Safety has now been assured with Huddersfield YMCA losing heavily at Scarborough.

Supporters are asked to note that the next league game, away to Keighley ,is on 12th April and not as shown in the fixture card.

Malton: I. Cooke, E. Richardson, P. Pateman, S. Mosey, R. Lonsdale, D. Webster, E. Pang, A. Turnbull, C. Muscroft, S. Pease (B. Boothman 50mins), D. Foster, J. Dobson, S. Triffitt (C. Robson 60mins), A. Mitchell, S. Badgery. 

The Thirds put on a try feast for the spectators and whilst RI may have felt Malt were too good for a third string the truth was that like RI Malt had to field the odd second teamer simply to make up the numbers and Malt knew this was no stronger a line up than last week with all 3 Malt teams playing.

Malt were able to give a debut to an outside centre christened Stray Dog by his Fukawi Tribal Leader and he proved too hot to handle scoring a hat trick within 20 minutes which led to a sporting reshuffle that saw him move to Full Back before being replaced at half time.

Malt’s pack were on fire against a well drilled RI eight giving scrum half Lyon all the time he needed to find his stand off Morris Williams. Tim Casey rolled back the years with a dominant game at Number 8 taking the ball to RI with Eddie Everson, still in his first season of rugby, outstanding in the loose and deserved a try but unselfishly when nearing the line chose to pass. Lineout ball was taken well by Rob Hicks and from this supply of ball Malt let loose their backs. Whilst Stray Dog scored 3 tries it was his young inside centre Nick Embleton, whose passing created the space, who deserves much credit and shows great promise for the future. Defensively his tackling was rock solid and perhaps had he been playing against Stray Dog his tackles would have prevented the hat trick. A sublime kick through nearly produced a try for winger Steve Heselwood.Stray Dog even had time to pass to Embleton for a well worked try.Next up came Maurice Williams with a try in the corner after the ball had been spun wide out to speedster Tom Barrett who was tackled by the RI Full Back but off loaded to Williams for a try. Barrett was next up running in a superb try along the touch line after excellent work by Williams and Embleton.

The second half saw a few changes, Mike Bellinger replacing Steve Heselwood, Steve Fothergill taking over at 9, Jordan Townend taking over at 15 and Chris Boothman coming into the back row for his brother Andy.Townend making his debut for the thirds and was in support to take a Barrett pass but was tackled by the impressive RI Full Back.

Malts front row were faultless with Father and son Matt and Ben Boothman at 1 and 2 with Adam Wright at 3, it was a performance reminiscent of a 1980’s French front 3 when the fielded 3 props and Ben never lost a scrum and took plenty against the head, something the thirds have got accustomed to with regular hooker Dave MacDowell.

Ben even managed a brace with classic front row head down and drive from 5 yards out tries.

Unsung hero Sean Emms was solid in the back row even finding time for a 60 yard break which had the crown on their toes. Adam Daley moved into the centres and his lively running resulted in a try with Embleton creating the space.

Fothergill rolled back the years with some trade mark box kicks maintaining the pressure on RI and even had time to demonstrate some classic Lyon trademark passes with the Exocet (a pass that rises vertically before dropping slowly to the stand off) and the Dam Buster (a pass that bounces several times before reaching the stand off at the same time as your opponent’s open side).

Malt then went off the boil and RI his back with 2 tries which they fully deserved. Malt then rallied and Williams, having earlier demonstrated a banana kick (one that goes backwards to your own winger), went for a cross field kick which Barrett held and scored.

This was a worthy victory which entertained those watching particularly with sights like Tom Barrett’s running and Man of The Match Nick Embleton’s overall game. All players showed great commitment at all times and played with a superb spirit and discipline. Russ Stead had his usual efficient game refereeing.

Malt wishes Stray Dog a safe journey to Australia and trust it will be a happy reunion with his fellow Fukawi tribe. 

A win was required to almost guarantee survival and a win was produced.  It was never a classic but Malton carried out their game plan exactly as demanded with a no frills brand of rugby centred around the forwards gaining supremacy and and keeping the game tight.  Sheffield on the other hand were desperate to open the game out but without the ball those plans were thwarted.

Sheffield gained an early lead when Malton were penalised in the third minute for being off side at a ruck.  Visiting scrum half Matt Poste converted to put his side ahead.  Having only blown his whistle twice before this incident the referee showed a yellow card to Malton skipper Andy Mitchell for persistent offending.  Indeed, the game was to be littered with yellow cards for minor technical errors and the whistle non stop, making any flowing rugby almost impossible to play.  Still down to fourteen men Malton came back strongly and after a long driving maul it was Sheffields turn to suffer an off side decision and David Webster coolly put the ball between the posts to level the scores.  Restored to a full complement the Malton pack took a strangle hold on the game, retaining possession for long periods and sapping the strength from a lightweight Sheffield eight.  The loss of No.8 forward Richard Webster with a rib injury after twenty minutes meant a slight reshuffle in the pack with John Dobson taking Websters place and Chris Robson entering the fray in the second row.  With the pack now in complete control the momentum was maintained.  A series of rucks and mauls took Malton deep into scoring territory and, having been held up over the line, just reward came when from the resultant five metre scrum Dobson picked up to cross for his sides first try and a half time lead of 8 points to 5.

With the wind at their backs Sheffield began well in the second period but good defence and some long touch kicks from David Webster kept the tide at bay.  With eight minutes on the clock and Sheffield now temporarily reduced to 14 men Malton mounted another forward onslaught before letting the backs see the ball.  It was quickly transferred across field to right wing Elliot Richardson, newly arrived back from a season in Australia, who showed great skills in passing three defenders to score Maltons second try.  Webster converted and a sense of relief descended on The Gannock.

Sheffield had other ideas though as they realised that a Malton win would push them further into the relegation battle.  At a ruck close to the Malton line it was now Dobsons turn to see yellow for some unexplained offence.  Sheffield opted to kick to the corner and from the line out drove second row Nick Hayes over for a try.  Still Sheffield pressed but Maltons defence held firm until the dying minutes when they were penalised and this time Sheffield opted for the kick at goal which centre Russ Lynch successfully converted to cause a few butterflies in Malton stomachs.  However, Malton hung on for the victory they deserved and moved into a lower mid-table position with three league games left .

The forwards were the key to success with Andy Mitchell, Duncan Foster and Adam Turnbull the stand out men in an excellent eight.  However, mention should also be made of centre Steve Mosey who stuck to the game plan admirably by playing back to his pack and of stand in scrum half Liam Cowton who is always eager to step into any position and never lets the side down wherever he plays.

Malton: I. Cooke, E. Richardson, S. Badgery, S. Mosey, R. Lonsdale (M. Williams 55mins.), D. Webster, L. Cowton, A. Turnbull, C. Muscroft, S. Pease (J. Richards 60 mins.), D. Foster, J. Dobson, S. Triffitt, A. Mitchell, R. Webster (C. Robson 20 mins.)   

Other results in the league ensured that Maltons position was not further endangered as they slipped to yet another defeat at a bright and breezy Bridlington.  The gale was strong but was almost directly across the field of play without advantage to either side. 

Malton began badly when they failed to cleanly gather the kick off and were under pressure almost immediately.  Duncan Foster managed to steal Brid. ball at the first line out but a minor infringement gave the hosts the chance to right matters.  From a scrum fifteen metres out a planned move was perfectly executed for the home inside centre to cross without a hand being laid on him.  The conversion was successful and Brid. were in the driving seat.  The Malton pack is a force to be reckoned with and they immediately struck back with some good driving play with Carl Muscroft in the thick of most of the play.  Frustration got the better of one of the Brid second rows and he was shown a yellow card for venting his anger.   Malt. seemed to have got the break they needed when they won a penalty thirty metres out.  David Webster appeared to have done everything right when he struck the ball, aiming just outside the left hand post to allow the wind to bring it back.  However, his strike was too good and the ball sailed just wide of the mark.  Bridlington kicked the resultant 22 metre kick downfield deep into Malton territory.  Malton were penalised at the lineout and some ill chosen words to the referee were penalised with the penalty being advanced a further ten metres.  A determined drive from the home pack produced the second try of the game for the home side.  On this occasion the wind proved too difficult to contend with and the conversion was missed.  The Malton forwards were still dominating possession but finding it very difficult to break through.  Stout Brid defence meant that there was no way through for the backs either.  The break did eventually come and it was from a predictable source.  Foster again claimed clean line out ball and set up a maul five metres out.  A concerted drive from his forward colleagues gave Muscroft a well deserved try.  Malton again applied the pressure and, having just been restored to full strength, Brid again had a player sin binned for having too much to say to the referee.  Despite again holding the upper hand in possession Malton were unable to unlock the defence and the break came with Brid. leading by 12 points to 5. 

The second half was almost a repeat of the first with Malton pack having the upper hand but Bridlington always looking dangerous with the ball in hand.  Indeed Brid. could well have increased the lead but for an excellent covering tackle from lock John Dobson on a flying winger who had the line at his mercy.  Quick handling and and good ball retention ensured that the home side kept up the pressure on Malton and it was now the visitors turn to concede penalties.   Again the gale prevented kicks at goal but, mid way through the half, Bridlington quickly ran a free kick and found an overlap to cross in the corner.  Aiming his conversion attempt towards the opposite touch line the Brid. kicker saw his effort turn at almost right angled to pass between the posts.  That ended the scoring but Malton did keep on pressing and were denied a score at the close when Dobson crossed for a good score.  However, the referee was unsighted in the melee of bodies and ruled the score out. 

Maltons position is far from secure but a win at The Gannock against fellow strugglers Sheffield on Saturday will go a long way to allaying any fears.  The forwards are matching if not bettering anything they encounter and if some penetration can be found elsewhere security will be guaranteed. 

Malton: I. Cooke, T. Pateman, S. Mosey, S. Badgery, E. Richardson, D. Webster, L. Cowton, A. Turnbull, C. Muscroft, S. Pease, D. Foster, J. Dobson, S. Triffitt, A. Mitchell, R. Webster 

In an ideal world a squad of 20 players would be available week in week out for the thirds as well as the second string. The world is far from ideal with the second team making final changes from the third team squad 3 hours before kick off. At times like these those players who put rugby first are greatly appreciated it was Tim Verity last week and Richard Johns and Andy Whalley this week. Rob Hicks had the captaincy and had a game to remember scoring Malton’s first try after Johns took a quick penalty and from 5 yards out Hicks was not to be stopped. Johns and Whalley soon banished the cobwebs of yesteryear with Johns at Stand off readily adjusting to the infamous service of scrum half Lyon.

Malton had the better start with Sledge Ellis and Martin Watson having a good rive around in the mauls winning some good ball with Watson having his best game to date for the thirds. Scarborough scored first but Malt soon fought back and were 5-7 down at half time. Changes at half time saw Steve Heselwood and Andy Marton take over from Tim Wise and Tom Barrett on the wings who both shone with some good runs and solid defence under the stewardship of Johns. Eddie Rounthaite took over at scrum half and broke an old third team tradition amongst scrum halfs when he broke from a scrum in Scarborough’s 22 and with a jink shot through to score under the posts.

Malt then dominated the game. Any ball secured by the seasiders was kicked direct to Full Back Charlie Foster whose counter attacking came close to at least 2 tries but Scarborough’s defence held tight. Johns was now in full control his kicking and passing accurate and his centres Rob Clabby and Whalley asking questions of the Scarborough defence and Malt soon scored again with Steve Heselwood finishing off a superb cross field kick from Johns. Stuart Duff then made his come back in the back row and was keen to run at Scarborough and a fine hand off saw him on a run down one wing. A comfort break was then called by the referee, Russ Stead, much to the amusement of all concern and Stead just like his son had a solid game always in control and making sure the game flowed and was played in Great Spirit.

Malts forwards were causing problems with Jody Stead and Dave McDowell running straight into Scarborough making great yardage much to the approval of the record crowd. Eddie Everson and Geoff Pears worked tirelessly all afternoon carrying out much graft that often goes in noticed.

Malt finished off the scoring through Rob Clabby. Scarborough failed to find touch and Sledge Ellis, who by now resembled the Elephant Man with a bandaged up face due to a cut nose, the first aid administered by the Scarborough skipper who wished he had covered up his eyes as Ellis took a hard catch to set up play for the backs for Clabby to finish in the corner.

This was a superbly entertaining game with Malt having the better balance with older and younger players complimenting each other against the largely youthful visitors. The old heads steady the ship allowing the youngsters to develop their game. Next week rumour has it that the stars of yesteryear could include Riddols,Turnbull, Fothergill and one of the Newsomes

The frost had gone and conditions were perfect for an entertaining game of rugby.  Malton had a score to settle after suffering a drubbing at the coast earlier in the season and Scarborough were looking to regain their early season form which, following the desertion of one or two players to pastures new, had slipped slightly.  The final result shows that it was Scarborough who took the points but in reality it was a game which Malton contrived to lose. 

In the early exchanges both sides were guilty of relinquishing possession far too easily with misguided passes or poor handling as the defences held firm.  The Malton pack were gradually gaining the upper hand but conceded the first points of the game mid way through the half when they were penalised at a ruck and visiting fly half Josh Bullen converted the penalty with ease.  This score was soon followed by another when the visitors took clean ball at a line out before quickly passing the ball across field to create a three man overlap for wing John Hogarth to cross in the corner.  This score seemed to bring more life into the Malton pack which then took full control of those exchanges.  Scarborough, somewhat surprisingly, had little answer to some the home sides driving style of play.  Drive after drive gained massive amounts of ground but without a cutting edge outside the Malton pack the visitors defence coped well.  However, something had to give and having won a line out five metres out from the Scarborough line the Malton pack moved forward menacingly.  Just as they reached the line the movement was halted but a quick change of focus gave substitute prop Jon Richards the opportunity top flop over in the corner for a home try.  Again the home pack raised their game and in a forty minute spell either side of the break dominated possession and territory.  John Dobson and Sam Triffitt were in the thick of the action but the other six members of the pack were close behind as Scarborough struggled to stem the tide.  However, as in the first period they could not produce the vital break and the visitors weathered the storm.  On the only occasion Malton did break the deadlock scrum half Edmund Pang was adjudged, quite fairly, to have been held up without grounding the ball. 

Although living off scraps of possession Scarborough were always a threat in possession of the ball and with twenty minutes of the second half gone capitalised.  Gaining line out ball close to the Malton line they took a leaf out of Maltons book and drove forward for back row Eathan Terblanche to score in the corner.  Bullens magnificent kick sailed between the posts to give Scarborough the points. 

Again there were definite signs of improvement from Malton, especially in the pack but they must convert possession into points to gain the one win which would almost certainly ensure safety. 

Malton: I. Cooke, T. Pateman, W. Jones (M. Williams 30mins), S. Badgery, L. Cowton, D. Webster, E. Pang, A. Turnbull, C. Muscroft, S. Pease (J. Richards 25 mins), D. Foster, J. Dobson, S. Triffitt (C. Robson 70mins), A. Mitchell, R. Webster. 
       

Lacklustre Malton slipped back into their old bad habits and conceded 13 points in a mad ten minute second half period to ensure the continuance of Heaths revival and still leave Malton with work to do to climb away from the lower reaches. 

The opening exchanges were equal with neither side taking control but it was Heath who were first on the scoreboard after 10 minutes when Malt. were penalised for an off side offence at a ruck.  Ten minutes later the lead was increased when a  Malton tackler was adjudged to have handled the ball on the ground after the tackle when he appeared to have legally stripped his opponent.  However, when the gods are not in your favour such decisions go against you and Heath took full advantage with a fine kick from fly half Ryan Piper who converted from half way.  From the restart Malton countered and pulled back three points through the boot of David Webster when a Heath centre was shown a yellow card for a high and dangerous tackle.  Heath always looked dangerous when the ball was spread wide and the extra pace on the wings was causing a few flutters in Malton stomachs.  However, the defence stood firm and in first half injury time Malton pulled back a further three points through the boot of Webster when Heath were deemed to be the aggressors at a scuffle which resulted in a player from either side being sent to the sin bin for the first ten minutes of the second period. 

With a deficit of three points at the interval Malton were still well in the game but needed to raise the tempo and commitment if they were to take the spoils.  Heath had other ideas and, with better handling, could well have added to the tally before the mad ten minutes began with another penalty for handling on the ground.  Piper was having a good day with his boot and further punishment came from a thirty metre drop goal to give his side a nine point cushion.  Worse was to come as Malton stole a Heath line out only to see Piper intercept a wayward pass to race over between the posts to round off a good day personally and, more importantly, give his side the vital points. 

Malton tackle local rivals Scarborough at The Gannock on Saturday and will have to lift their game considerably if they are going to reverse the early season defeat at the coast.  However, if they can show the form they have displayed recently and forget this blip a victory is more than possible. 

Malton: I. Cooke, T. Pateman, L. Cowton, S. Badgery (M. Williams 65 mins), R. Lonsdale, D. Webster, W. Jones, A. Turnbull, C. Muscroft, S. Pease (J. Richards 50 mins), D. Foster, J. Dobson, S. Triffitt (S. Badgery 53 mins), A. Mitchell (J. Machin 63 mins), R. Webster.  

League leaders Sandal met a determined Malton & Norton side who were hell bent on showing the home supporters that the recent improvement in form was not just a temporary peak. Although Sandal had the lions share of possession and territory throughout the game, and fully deserved the victory, Malton ran them very close and could well have salvaged something from the afternoons work.  The key to the performance was the excellent defence shown throughout the side for the entire 80 minutes which meant that the result was in the balance until the dying minutes of the game.

Malton started well and took the game to the visitors with some ferocious rucking and mauling.  A series of rucks on the right wing near to the Sandal line sucked in much of the opposition before the ball was quickly transferred to the backs.  Quick handling saw Ian Cooke brought down just short of the line but he was able to off load to the predatory left wing Ryan Lonsdale who within sight of the line needs no second invitation to cross.  He duly got the touch down with ten minutes gone and The Gannock Crowd were delighted.  Malton were then subjected to some prolonged attacking play from a well drilled visiting outfit and only some very stout defence kept the visitors at bay.  One outstanding piece of work from flanker Sam Triffitt when he stole the ball at a Sandal line out on the Malton line was a classic.  The 18 years old Triffitt was again outstanding throughout but on this occasion he was eclipsed by his younger team mate 17 years old Edmund Pang who belied his tender years with a scrum half display the equal of anything seen in recent years at The Gannock.  Some of his defensive work was from the top drawer.

Having held firm for more than half an hour the Malton barrier finally cracked when they caught offside at a ruck in front of the posts.  Sandal full back Chris Reakes slotted the ball between the posts to register his sides first points.  Deep into injury time in the first half Malt. were somewhat dismayed when they were again penalised in front of the posts for hanging onto the ball after a tackle and again Reakes converted to give the visitors a deserved but somewhat fortunate mid way lead.

Sandals second half beginning was in complete contrast to that of the first half.  They were quickly into their stride and pressurising Malton at every opportunity.  A line out catch and drive was driven towards the posts and when the maul had reached the line scrum half Whittingham dived over for the try.  The conversion, to most on the sidelines, seemed to sail between the posts but the referee and touch judges had other ideas and the effort was ruled out.  The visitors were still pressing but Malton were in no mood to concede and with fifteen minutes gone hauled themselves back into contention.  Always on the look out for an opening Lonsdale read a pass from a Sandal centre to his wing beautifully and intercepted on half way to race to the line for his second touch down of the afternoon.  Again Sandal came back but were constantly repelled by the home defence.  Good line kicking from fly half David Webster and Pang relieved the pressure on numerous occasions but when the Malton backs were caught offside at a line out visiting fly half Tom Smith took the points on offer to increase his sides lead.  Minutes later Malton were again penalised at a scrimmage and again Smith added the three points.  Try as they did Malton could not get back on level terms and the visitors ended worthy but shaken winners of a very good contest.

Yet another good performance form Malton only on this occasion it was against the best the league has to offer.  The two previous games were against the lower side.  Hopefully the side will go on from here and reach safety without any further problems.  All 18 players who took the field deserve credit for the performance and they can take solace in the fact that this was the first occasion on which Sandal have not scored more than one try this season in any league fixture. 

Malton: I.Cooke, T.Pateman, W.Jones, S. Badgery(L.Cowton 70 mins), R.Lonsdale, D.Webster, E.Pang, S.Pease(R.Ellis 70 mins), C.Muscroft, J. Richards, D.Foster, J.Dobson, S.Triffitt, A.Mitchell, R.Webster(C.Robson 65mins).

A big away win was just what the doctor ordered and a rejuvenated Malton & Norton obliged in style to create a comfortable cushion between themselves and the relegation places.  Despite the previous weeks rains the immaculate YMCA ground was in near perfect condition and with only a slight breeze blowing conditions could not have been better.

Malton began as they meant to continue by taking the game to the opposition through some good forward drives and, rather than release too early, were prepared to set up phase after phase until the errors were forced.  With just over five minutes gone some good driving play in mid field by centre Simon Badgery saw flanker Sam Triffitt make a strong break before being halted just short of the line.  Malt. were there in numbers and Huddersfield conceded the inevitable penalty.  A quick tap by scrum half Edmund Pang was passed on to powerhouse wing Ryan Lonsdale who bulldozed his way over for Maltons first score. Two minutes later and the garden was looking even rosier.  A long Huddersfield clearance kick was fielded by Lonsdale in his own 22 metre area.  Building up a full head of steam he crashed his way upfield before the move was carried on by Pang who gave Badgery the pass to score in the corner.

Although the Malton pack were reigning supreme the hosts were determined to get whatever possession they could salvage quickly to their speedy threequarters which did cause Malt. a few problems.  When Malt. were penalised for illegal entry at a ruck Huddersfield full back, Stead, converted the penalty to renew his sides hopes.  Some resolute defence was then required by Malt. for the next ten minutes as the home side pressed and got their reward on the half hour.  Winning a line out twenty metres from the Malton line the ball was swiftly transferred to the backs and a missed tackle in Maltons mid field created the overlap on the left wing for Huddersfields second score of the game.  The visitors then regrouped and again took hold of the game and minutes before the break were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which David Webster calmly stroked between the posts.  Malton held a slender 13 points to 8 interval lead and needed to step up their intensity for the second period.

More was asked from the Malton players at the break and they duly responded.  When Triffitt stole Huddersfield ball at a line out hooker Carl Muscroft burst through the first line of defence before the ball was whipped out to right wing Liam Cowton who crossed in the corner to extend the lead.  Minutes later the they should have added to the tally when a two man overlap was created on the left but a delayed pass brought the move to an end.  However, all was not lost as Andy Mitchells men again rallied.  A shortened line out was claimed by Duncan Foster and again the initial breaks were made by Muscroft and Triffitt before lock forward John Dobson burst through forty metres out and showed a great turn of pace to cross between the posts.  David Webster added the extras and Malton now had some breathing space.  As the Malton pack turned the screw the opposition weakened and the constant pressure told with a 38th minute push over try from N0.8 forward Richard Webster.  Deep into injury time the icing was applied when quick ball in mid field was dispatched to the backs.  Dobson, sensing an opportunity, turned up in the centre berth and again raced over for second try of the afternoon.  David Webster rounded off a highly successful afternoon for Malton with a magnificent conversion from the touchline.

Dobson and Triffitt were in terrific form all afternoon but Maltons transformation since the Christmas break can arguably be put down to two factors, the introduction of youngster Edmund Pang at scrum half and the move of Simon Badgery from the back row to centre.  Pang, with his bullet like pass, has given his outside backs more time and Badgery’s ball carrying abilities ensure that the gain line is crossed far more regularly than in the past.  The rest of the side have risen to the task in fine fashion and if this improvement is maintained in the coming weeks the future in Yorkshire 1 should be secured.

Malton: T. Pateman, L. Cowton, S. Mosey(M. Williams 65 mins), S. Badgery, R. Lonsdale, D. Webster, E. Pang, J. Richards, C. Muscroft, A. Turnbull(R. Ellis 75 mins), D. Foster, J. Dobson, S. Triffitt(C. Robson 75 mins), A. Mitchell, R. Webster. 

It was like turning the clock back a decade as Malton 3rds renewed their local derby with Driffield 4ths.Malton’s youngsters Tom Barrett, Tim Wise, Eddie Everson, Martin Watson, Steve Butler and Mike Marton were unfamiliar with the ancient rituals that go with this fixture, with kick off approaching they asked where the referee was, minutes later he arrived in his hobnailed boots having been summoned from the bar. The official ref had been called away and Driff had to find a volunteer from the bar and what a capable job he did. On occasion offsides where called for and pleas ignored usually down to the fact that both teams where equally guilty. Both sides did not query his decision making as the game was flowing well in superb spirit. In true style Driff had a heavy pack which was well countered with Malt’s front row with Sledge Ellis, Dave MacDowell and Adam Wright competing well with the early scrums an old fashioned “get on with it” affair not the new fangled “Crouch, Hold Pause, Engage“ affair, after all this was a classic fixture.

Malt looked sharp from the off with Knappa Wainwright at Number 8 prepared to take the ball on and Eddie Everson having his first start at Openside to good effect. Mike Marton was his usual self running at Driff like an escaped bullock from the local Mart. Soon Malton’s dominance showed results. From a scrum Lyon fed Gareth Pritchard who looked like he’d been watching a Video of classic Welsh Outside Half’s of the 70’s,he showed the ball to his inside centre Simon Massey, cut inside then with 2 superb side steps scored under the posts and took the conversion with a drop kick.

His next try following a Tom Barrett 50 yard break, was disallowed.Malton's lineouts were well drilled with both Rob Hicks and Eddie Everson taking clean ball with Everson spoiling some Driff ball and this possession was key to the victory. Both teams were prepared to sling the ball out wide and but for sloppy handling the half time score could have been 25-20.Malt’s ever improving Full Back Paul Walker asked all sorts of questions of the Driff defence hitting the line at pace with some strong runs which kept Driff at bay for long spells and whilst Malt felt most of the first half was played in the Driffield half the Home side did have a long passage of play 5 yards from the Malton line but resolute defence kept the out.. 

Malton made a few half time changes with Geoff Pears making his seasons bow along with James Shallcross.It was not long before sharp Malton handling put centre Jody Stead clear for a well worked try. No fancy side steps, just a straight run. Malt were looking good for more scores but Driff were not down and out just yet. Malt’s final changes saw Martin Watson, James Robinson, Toby Holtby and Steve Heselwood ( yes Steve Heselwood) join the field and soon found the quick pace of the game to the liking all with telling contributions.Driff did manage a late consolation try but it was too late. 

The final score could had been greater than it was as both sides contributed to an entertaining match which kept the sizeable crowd thrilled to the end with some superb runs from Tome Barrett, Tim Wise and Driff’s yellow haired winger. Thanks again to the ref who made the game and displayed common sense and good authority throughout.

A thoroughly entertaining and friendly  game of Rugby between two largely experimental sides with a score line which does not do justice to the effort and commitment of Malton, but which Driffield fully deserved to take.
With half backs, Ed Pang and David Webster combining well, Malton took the game to Driffield in the opening encounters and kept them pinned into their own half of the pitch. 

The pressure told when Driffield were penalised for holding onto the ball after a tackle and Malton were awarded a penalty in front of the posts.  Matt Williams converted to put his side ahead.  Driffield always looked dangerous whenever they counter attacked, mainly in the form of a very fleet of foot and nimble outside centre, and one of his runs deep into Malton territory produced a penalty for his side.  The kick rebounded from the upright into the arms of the following home pack.  Swift transference to the wing caught Malton napping and Driff. Had their first points on the board with a try in the corner.  The visitors then regained the initiative and were making headway towards the Driffield line when a thumping tackle in mid field dislodged the ball from the Malton player and it was soon whipped out to the right wing who used his pace to outstrip the Malton defence and score in the corner.

Malton then hit a purple patch with Pang and Webster orchestrating play with some delightful positional kicking.  As always Sam Triffitt was everywhere and the rest of the pack were right behind him as the strung together phase after phase of good rugby.  The centre partnership of Simon Badgery and Will Jones showed a willingness to attack the defence with some gusto and just as a score appeared to be coming a pass to a supporting player was intercepted by Driffield and quickly transferred to the other end of the pitch where only some last ditch defence from Liam Cowton prevented a score.  However, Driffield were there in numbers and regained possession to cross in the corner for a third try.

The second half again saw Malton on the attack early on and they were unlucky not to increase their tally when a long range Williams penalty rebounded from the woodwork and allowed Driff. to clear.  Driffield then applied the pressure and some excellent defence and a good clearance kick were ruined by a piece of unnecessary ill discipline.  Once again the day was saved when Duncan Foster stole the home side ball at a line out and Webster cleared.  Midway through the half came the customary substitutions by both sides and a period of calm descended before two defensive blunders by Malt. allowed Driffield to snatch two more tries to put the game out of Maltons reach.

For once there was no pressure on either side and the rugby on display was the better for that.  Both clubs will now return to league action with Driffield looking to promotion from North 2 East and Malton looking to secure their place in Yorks.1.  On this display Malton can now look forward to springing one or two surprises.

Malton: M. Williams (C. Foster 70 mins), L. Cowton, W. Jones, S. Badgery, T. Pateman, D. Webster, E. Pang, J. Richards, C. Muscroft, A. Turnbull (S. Pease 60 mins), D. Foster, J. Dobson, S. Triffitt, C. Robson, R. Webster.      
  

A New Year and what a start to 2008, all 3 senior teams winning with the 3rds trying to keep pace with the First team scores in the first half in a most entertaining game with both side willing to get the ball out wide early on. Malton had pace in depth with Full Back Freddie Foxley bagging a brace with his attacking breaks from Full Back and winger Tom Barrett running in from his own 22 beating 5 tacklers for pace and almost bagged a brace but for a superb tackle for Hullensians scrum half and man of the match for the visitors. Opposite winger Tim Wise had some good runs from deep and was outside Dave McDowell in the second half ready to take a pass but McDowell as any front rower in sight of the line preferred to demonstrate his Maori side step and barge through 3 men to score.

Malton, pack despite not scoring must take full credit for the clean ball the backs with James Machin  controlling operations from Number 8 guaranteeing easy ball to Marcus Lyon who had to give his stand off Gareth Pritchard  quick service with Gareth’s’ father Ieuan watching with baited breath from the touch line. Centres Badger Gardner and Pete Wooley looked a good match with Badger using brute strength to make yardage and Wooley his neat footwork. It was Badger who opened the scoring after constant Malton Pressure after 5 minutes and Wooley who had an 80% conversion rate.

Malt’s pack was so much in control that they were allowed to run Penalties with Adam Wright and Jody Stead to the fore. Prop Harry Harrison despite an injury played on to half time when Steve Butler took over. Eddie Everson in the second row caused havoc with the Hullensians’ lineout disrupting many catches thus slowing down their ball to the backs. Guy Dolman at openside flanker was his usual disruptive self and you could see the visitors stand off standing further and further away form his scrum half as Dolman charged forward.

With a healthy 28-0 lead Malt made 3 changes with Martin Watson joining the back row and blending in with some useful runs. Rob Clabby came on the wing and was unlucky not to score and Toby Holtby went to scrum half and showed some useful touches and kept Pritchard well supplied. Pritchard must have felt disappointed not to score with some clever breaks but controlled operations with some superb touchline clearances and his quick movement of the ball led to many of the tries.

The game ended with a vintage Lyon break that fully deserved a try.

Doug Lund had a fine afternoon as referee allowing the game to flow .Hullensians battled to the end with a consolation try and it was noted that the second half ended honours even. Malt did play a rounded game that at times was well crafted and made full use of the pitch and the pace they had. All who played gave it their all and entertained the large crowd.

In a repeat of the first half opening Malton were again caught napping at the restart.  Some poor tackling in the Malt. defence produced the opening for Ilkley to again increase the lead when the ball was again spun wide for the hosts second try.  Ilkley then seemed to change up a gear and, although they battled hard, Malton could not handle the slick handling and aggressive running of a well organised and fired up home side and conceded a further two tries as a result.  The final ten minutes of the game belonged to Malton.  A break from defence by centre Steve Mosey took him deep into Ilkley territory and as the move was carried on the home side again conceded a number of penalties.  Some quick thinking from Malt. scrum half Will Jones set up the Malton pack on the Ilkley line.  After an initial drive the ball was released to centre Alex lynch who powered over for a well deserved score to end the game.

Although Malton are now deep in relegation trouble there were some positives to be gained.  Apart from showing more appetite as a team young Sam Triffitt was outstanding in the back row closely followed by colleagues Mitchell and Simon Badgery. 

Malton: M. Williams,  P. Pateman(A. Thompson 50mins), S. Mosey, A. Lynch, L. Cowton, D. Webster, W. Jones, S. Pease, A. Turnbull, B. Boothman(J. Richards 60mins), D. Foster(R. Webster 50mins), J. Dobson, S. Triffitt,  A. Mitchell, S. Badgery