This game began as a fine advert for all that is good in rugby but sadly ended as a damp squib as the visitors full back took the words of his kindred Welsh rappers to heart; “your missuss is a nutter “may well have been written in advance for his moment of madness to strike down Malts’ Stuart Duff who followed up a fine kick. The ref won’t have an easier decision all season than showing red and then with both side showing great discipline the game fizzled out.

Before this Scarb’arrived knowing Malt had no front row and kindly loaned star props, Peter Emms and Chris Sutton with James Robinson joining the front row union as a left footed hooker who was well served with an accurate feed from his scrum halfs to win all his own ball. Scarb took the game to Malt and scored first and with a wealth of good ball they should have scored more.

Malt fought back with James Browne, Jim Withyman, Dan Coates, Jodie Stead and man of the match Rob Hopkinson grafting in the loose to supply good ball out to the backs who looked sharp with Rob Armitage at outside centre bagging a brace and Andy Whalley, Craig Garnet and Hopkinson getting one a piece. Duff converting 4 out of 5.

Mark Haines made his debut in the second half and showed some good touches to prove that training can be a great benefit and should prove to be a good find for Malt. Andy Fox returned to action after a year out.Malts thanks go to Scarborough for the loan of the props to make a full contested game without which malt would have had easier ball from the scrums and may be matched the second teams 45 point tally. 20 players turned out for Malt with all showing great commitment and should be proud of the attacking rugby and discipline at all times.

This was a game full of twists turns and clichés; a true game of two half’s and one that if Malton could have found a complete front row they would have won.

They had 6 back rowers with Joe Turnbull, James Browne, Geoff Pears, Jim Withyman, Duncan Humphrays, and Mark Haines forming the bulk of the pack with James Robinson continuing his spell as hooker and only man of the match Charles Richardson the recognised front rower who with unopposed scrums was superb in the loose and fully deserved his try.

Malt were under the cosh from the off with many new faces and proved to be tight in defence, so much so that Beverley resorted to kicking an easy penalty under the posts to take the lead which then changed hands a number of times.Malt with limited possession made good use of the scraps with Pete Wooley taking over the stand off duties from the injured Stuart Duff (remember his run in with the Scarborough Full Back last week-who now serves a 3 week ban), who kindly ran touch.

Wooley quickly linked up with Marcus Lyon at scrum half who was fortunate in the first half to get his hands on the ball unlike Charlie Breese who came on at half time as Malt failed to gain a single scrum put in. Wooley soon had the backs moving with Simon Massey and Rob Armitage relishing the opportunity to attack when not keeping a tight defence and soon Matt Midgley was in space but fell inches short. From the line out a ruck was formed and Lyon fed Richardson who crashed over. Beverley broke free and with a try on the cards Midgley appeared and took his opposite number into touch.

As Malt attacked again Pears rose in the lineout to precisely feed Lyon, out to Wooley and then on to Massey who went over following a great break by Armitage. Wooley made his second conversion and the score was 14-15 at half time.

Malt felt the most confident but in the second half Beverleys older pack failed to tire due to the lack of scrummaging and with a lack of any ball to attack with Malt could only defend which they did with style aplenty.

Beverley could well have scored much more than just 3 tries but Malt knew the task ahead. Ben Ester,a centre made his debut in the second row and put in some good tackles and should play a bigger part at the club as the season develops.

Young Nick Shaw came on at half time but sadly left after just 5 minutes with a possible broken wrist following a big tackle under pressure. Beverleys worst try came as their skipper and scrum-half, Richard “Thrush” Charman took advantage of Maltons second half injuries to find a huge gap that even Marcus Lyon could have scored from. He was duly warned by referee Russ Stead ,who had a fine game, for show boating. Malt have plenty to be proud of despite a lack of a front row.19 players showed fine commitment all game against the Bandits who are the current Merit Table champions.

Despite the score line, which to the uninitiated gives the impression the thirds lost, they did in many respects win hands down. On Friday night and on Saturday morning they lost 4 players with the seconds needing to bolster their ranks yet before kick off stalwart club members Keith and Nigel Williams came forward and Chris Cattle followed at half time after an SOS call to the crowd watching the first team.

After weeks without a front row the thirds needed a big show against the visitors and Matt Boothman, Nigel Williams and Des Wright certainly did that and made sure the visitors would not get away with certain liberties they enjoyed at the last meeting.

Malt were fired up from the off and contained early pressure Duncan Humphrays was on fire launching counter attacks and making good ground until he was enveloped by a number of Scunthorpe men, with his scrum cap on, and failed to hear the whistle to stop and took a ten minute break at the referees pleasure during which he managed to twist his knee and could not return.

Charlie Foster was a reluctant star playing the the first half in the second row winning some good ball and then returning to full back to make some strong runs coming into the line and receiving precise long passes from Stuart Duff.

Keith Williams in the back row with Charlie Breese and Tim Casey was in good form to pick up the Man Of The Match for a storming game to guarantee selection for the weeks to come. As Malt piled on the pressure with good runs from centres Andy Boothman and Johan Marx, they conceded a try that was a tight call for the ref. They responded with a series of tap penalties and Matt Boothman then Tim Casey both fell inches short. At half time and just 5-0 down Malt looked a good bet for a win but a moment of fortune came for the visitors scrum half who managed to break free and beat 3 tacklers to just reach the line. Malt hit back with Stuart Duff kicking them into the Visitors 22 and then James Shallcross in the line out fed Marcus Lyon to Duff and Andy Boothman crossed the line but the try was not given.Malt ploughed on with Wing men Andy Marton and Chris Cattle getting some ball but with little space to move in.

The whistle went and the ref applauded both sides for a most entertaining game and Malt reciprocated their thanks to the ref who kept order in such a keen and bruising encounter.

The thirds are most grateful to the club spirit and players who turn up when needed. More players are needed to sustain a challenge for the Merit Title this season.

This was the thirds best game of the season with a scratch team coming together at the last minute and playing as if they had played together for seasons. The scene was set for Malton’s Chairman of Rugby, Bruin Harrison, to put his money where his mouth is; the younger players asking what chairman of rugby actually did, and Bruin turned up after an 11 year absence from the game to fill the role of stand off.

He found his kit, his mouth guard but sadly forgot his kicking boots. He set the backs on their way with excellent distribution thanks to a perfect service from his scrum half, who had his best game for years, and set up the final try with a superb pass out of the tackle. Malts’preparation was not the best, they had a quick jog, half a lineout practice and the game was off. It was all Malt possession-partly thanks to un contested scrums, albeit with a degree of wheeling and dealing.

The pack were superb a solid unit the attacked en-masse and one move saw Joe Turnbull, Dave Ransome, Mark Haines, Gareth”Bangers”Bentley and Ben Ester exchange close quarter passes at speed and York had no answer. Centres Simon Massey and Andy Boothman never dropped a ball and wrapped up their opposite numbers as Malt employed the newly devised “Gnats Chuff” defence to keep a clean sheet.

Jim Withyman in the back row worked tirelessly in the “coal face” using all his experience in a well refereed game to snaffle and win clean ball.As half time loomed Malt finally broke clear with Winger Matt Midgely rounding his opposite number to put Malt 5-0 up. Bruin shaved the post with his kick, on the wrong side of the famous leaning post of York.The second half saw Johan Marx, Wayde Jones and James Shallcross join the fray with Andy Maron making way and as they took some time to bed in to the pace York enjoyed a bit of possession which was short lived. Jones made a couple of superb tackles before he found himself outside Charlie “The Brazilian”Foster, back in his familiar role of Full Back, and was on hand to take the pass and ran like a Giraffe to sprint past the home defence to put Malt 10-0 up.

Malt changed their linout with a simple step with Ian Teasedale back to what he does best winning ball and taking penalty ball at pace even finding time for a cheeky side step to beat the cocky York prop. Harry Harrison was an unsung hero always at the front of the mauls to ensure more lean ball.As the game went into the closing minutes Malt looked by far the fitter with Joe Turnbull running the ball after the second try to beat 6 York players. The rest of the pack followed and Marcus had the easiest of jobs to feed Bruin who fed Foster to seal a fine win.

Credit goes to the Referee from Thirsk who enjoyed a closely contested game played in a fine spirit at a fast and furious pace.This performance was a great advert for all that is good at Malton.The players gelled instantly, played as a true team and for each other and never gave the referee cause for concern. Malts' skipper thanks all players for their efforts which made his task at scrum half his most enjoyable for years.

Pock asked if their 3rds could play at Malt after Selby decided not to play and strangely, due to what can only be described as a communication breakdown, sent their second team known as the Panthers. This was only discovered by Malt 3 hours after the game. Malt may have lost against a well drilled second team in a classic David against Goliath contest but the score line hides the intensity of the game, Pocks fortune at the occasional Malt error and the fine defensive game Malt played with their backs against the wall for most of the game.

Malt started well with Lyon catching, feeding Stuart Duff who sent the ball flying back into the Pock 22 and this was one of the features of the game. Pock with a far heavier pack drove into Malts 22 than Malt snaffled the ball and booted it to safety. Bruin Harrison asked his front row Cousin, Mark what the problem was in the front row to which the reply” they’re a bigger and better than us I’m afraid. Dave Ransome stuck at his task but had to leave at half time and with the absence of a spare prop(one or two were watching the Firsts play) the scrums went un opposed. By this time the half time score was 17-0, one from a miss kick and one just before half time. Malt did play some excellent rugby.

Centres Ben Ester and Andy Boothman looked solid and strong in attack and the back row of Joe Teasdale, Jodie Stead and Man of The Match, Mark Haines never looked back always looking to attack and set up good ball when Malt needed to clear the decks.Jonny Cliffe made a welcome return to the second row with Ian Teasdale but sadly found his fitness lacking and after spending 15 minutes on his knees by the corner flag left with his brother Matt taking over in the back row and showed his knack to make valuable ground against far bigger opponents.

Young hooker Mark Wylie who was back for the weekend expecting an easier game against Selby gradually eased himself into the game and looked good in the loose setting up the ball for his back row team mates to charge forward.The wingers and full backs were kept busy as Pock attacked and James Shallcross turned back the years as two Pock players charged forward a try looked certain but a quick twist and a shuffle to the right left Pock looking at his boots as he shot off on a mazy run.Malt had two good chances, Craig Garnett on the wing carved through the Pock defence but support was a yard behind when he was tackled, he was the first to receive a long Duff Kick and was felled inched short of the line.

Malt had much to be proud of, Pock should have scored more but for Malts excellent defence. In boxing terms this was Light Weight against Light heavy weight. Given a bit more possession Malt may well have come close to the upset of the season.They do however know that that most players can comfortably make the step up to second team level and given a bit more weight in the pack the young heroes of the back row and centres may well have produced a deserved win.

The game was however played in a fine spirit well refereed by Phil Ryan.

At 6pm Friday night the second team manager Andy Whalley had a chat with the thirds skipper and amazingly they reported no changes.The latter said he was looking forward to giving the skipper of the Super Twos, Neil Gilbertson, his debut of the season in his team; at this point the slippery slide of despair began...

"Gilbo’s playing for the Firsts" Whalley added, "didn’t you know… somebody was to ask anyone to let you know so that must make me the nobody who was meant to let you know".

"Thanks", came the reply.

By Saturday, and after numerous late changes the thirds were ready with just 13 players.

The ref and BP skipper allowed kick off to be delayed for a car of four to arrive; BP were hoping to use the third player who sadly turned out to a passenger and to the disadvantage of BP they kicked off 14 against 15 and to make matters worse with a distinct advantage in the front row the scrums were uncontested as yet again Malt could not raise a full front row and this clearly worked to their advantage.

Malt attacked from the off and used the uncontested scrums to their advantage with clean quick ball propelled with dart like accuracy to Stuart Duff who controlled proceedings and made 5 conversions and was unlucky not to score an eight try after a huge Garry Owen which he went to gather in the 22 but was clearly shoved off the ball.

The backs had a great supply of ball with centres Simon Massey and Charlie Foster enjoying space to both score tries.Foster should have scored more and when with men outside and only the BP full back to beat he went alone straight into the Full Back.

Massey after the game expressed his huge disappointment in letting go of his opposite number who went over for the first of two BP tries the second coming in the second half when the cut Malts defence to shreds to score the best try of the game.

Matty Williams who was mysteriously left behind by the seconds slotted neatly into the role of attacking full back to bag a brace but could easily have scored more.

His first came after Lyon broke from a scrum (only 5 yards out and unopposed) and unselfishly passed much to his later regret.

Winger Andy Marton was quiet to start with and after one basic error set the game alight as he burst clear to from a fine move to scorch over and followed this up with some superb tackles and fine support play.His fellow wingman Johan Marx was unlucky not to score after some fine breaks.

The forwards despite the clear weight advantage of the BP pack worked hard to secure the excellent ball for the backs to attack with and special mention goes to Joe Turnbull and Mark Haines who turned up late expecting a 3 o’clock kick off and got stuck in from the off.

Haines in the second half made his try out of nothing. He stole a BP line out broke the first tackles and close to the line spun out of the grip of two players to score. Gareth Bentley, Steve Butler, Duncan Humphreys and Harry Harrison worked tirelessly wrapping up BP in attack and snaffling some good ball. James Shall cross completed the back row and rolled back the years with his best game of the season with a crunching tackle on the big BP prop.

Chris Wilson made his first appearance of the season and even scored after a fine passage of play, although it was felt he had not retreated from an earlier attack and as he got to his feet after a quick breather he found Charlie Foster in open space who chose to pass and the try was awarded.

Malt wish to thank BP for travelling and apologise for having to go for uncontested scrums when the BP pack was clearly one of the visitors, strengths. Referee Chris Gill enjoyed himself and put in a good performance maintaining control at all times.

What comes around goes around is a common saying. A few weeks after a few Malton players poured scorn on a team with just 11 players, the ghost of Christmas past and present gave Malt a timely reminder that but there for the grace of God go I.

Malton experience the same difficulties as many other clubs in putting out their full quota of teams week in week out and on this occasion Malton could only raise 9 players to travel to Hull.There may well be ironic smiles in the Yorkshire Dales!

With Christmas approaching the Vikings were full of cheer and willingly gave Malton 4 players and a game of 14 against 13 was played in a fine spirit aided by a bottle of Port at half time (who needs water or oranges on a freezing cold day).The Match kicked off late with Malton finding their kit locked in the club house and had to wait 30 minutes to get it out.

The match was fast and furious with both sides looking to run the ball and from a set scrum Marcus Lyon placed a box kick ,showing all his newly acquired skills following Tuesdays half back training with the Leeds Tykes scrum-half, MacMillan,; Charlie Foster followed it up and was un lucky not to be awarded the try. Vikings hit back but they failed to ground the ball.Then Foster relishing the space from a quick silver service from his scrum half fed Simon Massey, to James Shallcross, to Matt Midgely and on the loop went for the line but fell inches short. Vikings then scored. Malt hit back with some power play from Mark Liddle and the three borrowed Vikings in the pack who wore the Malt shirt with pride and Liddle was driven over to even the scores.

The second half saw Malt go for the win. With Jodie “there’s a hole in my foot” Stead, playing in pain making some surging breaks, and Rob Hicks winning some good lineout ball and showing excellent touches in the loose. Winger Andy Marton who gets better with every game, had some fine runs whilst being solid in defence against a wily old winger who scored twice for the Vikings, as their man advantage told in the final 10 minutes which coincided with the effects of the Port.

Vikings late tries only came because Malt were not prepared to lose 10-5 and went for Muck or Bust to win and sadly lost.They did however enjoy the better of the last play which lasted at least 5 minutes as all 9 Malton players (plus the guest Vikings) ran and rucked clean ball and went phase after phase to keep the ball alive for a final try which never came but Malt can be proud of the way they played.

Thank yous go to all 9 Malton players, the 4 Viking players who made it a fair contest and especially Rob Hicks and Mark Liddle who sportingly agreed to play for the thirds (having gone up to the seconds on Saturday morning) to allow 2 First Teamers to slot into the seconds.They proved to their team mates what club rugby is all about.

Whilst clubs are often judged on the success of their First Team the success of the lower teams is more important for the future of Rugby with many games being played without a full 15 and with one side loaning players out.

Malton thank the Vikings for their excellent sportsmanship, hospitality and for showing the true spirit of Rugby. We look forward to the return fixture on the 7th January 2006.

Report by Marcus Lyon

The Thirds were against a tough Vikings side and as the Vikings loaned Malt 4 players before Xmas Malt returned the favour which almost backfired as winger Craig Garnett had his best ever game for Malt with some surging runs and James Robinson came close to opening the scoring in a Vikings shirt. Malt’ started the stronger of the sides with man of the match Andy Boothman relishing his new role in the back row winning clean line out ball, some on the Viking throw, to enable Marcus Lyon to send his backs into action with Barry John Harrison at stand off showing his fine kicking skills (with the ball) to make 2 conversions one form the touch line and a penalty. His decision to finish the game wrapped around his opposite number (who before xmas had kindly played for Malton) led to the referee blowing early, as darkness fell, with Malt threatening to score. The thirds had kicked off late to allow the under 17’s to clear the changing room for the Vikings.

Malt were guilty of a number of basic handling errors in the backs which had nothing to do with the silver service at 9 and against the run of play the Vikings took the lead with a converted try. They continued to thwart Malt always kicking deep with the heavy pitch slowing down Malts speed merchants and young Gareth Pritchard ,making his debut at Full Back looked lively with a neat sidestep and a good boot to escape trouble and get Malt back on the attack which they did straight away from the restart with Charlie Foster making a fine break to feed Harrison who jinxed past a few tacklers to feed Simon Massey to Second Team Skipper Neil Gilbertson onto Matt Midgley who saw Hooker Rob Johnson on the burst who finished the move off under the posts .Vikings hit back with a penalty to lead 10-7 at half time.

The tackle of the day came from James Browne who was given the run around by daughter Lily but came good to effect a classic catch and drive away.

Malt knew they could win the game but needed to remain calm and began to take the play to the Vikings with Matt Boothman and Geoff Pears running penalties and further phase ball carried on by Jodie” it’s not a tea party “Stead, Ben Dolman and Gareth “Bangers” Bentley causing problems with penalties resulting as Viking tacklers failing to roll away from the ball. This set up the backs and a clean set of passes saw Pritchard score a fine debut try. With 8 minutes remaining Andy Boothman and Matt Midgely made way for the Boothman brothers Chris and Ben who will slot neatly into the Thirds for the rest of the season with Ben at number 8 taking the ball on in true Boothman style.

The thirds may have made hard work of their victory but the Vikings are no pushovers and used all their guile to keep Malt at bay. Thanks go to referee Russ Stead who kept a fine eye on all misdemeanours, some blatant, but kept the game flowing in the spirit shown by these two fine sides running of the excesses of Christmas.

Tim Casey added his usual steadying influence alongside young Ben Boothman in the second row and with a tight front three with Matt Boothman,Duncan Humphrays and Steve Butler,the young back row of Andy Boothman ,Gareth”Bangers” Bentley and Mark Haines were allowed to flourish with some excellent handling and big tackles. The backs were soon flowing with both wingers Chris Boothman and Andy Marton having some useful runs.Hullensians made a few errors and Duff was happy to kick to difficult penalties to steady the ship before Pritchard scored his first.next up was Duncan Humphrays with a classic forward dominated drive ( apologies go to any other forward who may have scored but since the writer of this report was at home some inaccuracy could occur).With the game in the bag Malt went for a final score from their own 22 and what a try it was. From a lineout Andy Boothman caught superbly ,Rivis fed Pritchard who scissored with Bruin Harrison to Duff joining the line with Clabby at a telling angle to take a short pass before feeding Craig Petch on the wing who took the ball back into his forwards and Rivis popped the ball up to Haines who broke 2 tackles to feed Ben Boothman to his brother Andy then Bangers Bentley took over. In the tackle the ball was recycled and Pritchard took over with a side step a dummy and a wonderful try with nearly every player in a blue shirt involved. With 2 tries converted the result was a fair one played in a good spirit by both sided. Sportingly James Shallcross and James Robinson ran touch found a whistle for the ref and brought down the lucky blue shirts and decided not to play due to the excellent performances of all involved. This was a good win especially with 5 third teamers playing with the seconds at Goole.

As a final note the Third Team wish Dan Cattle all the best for his 17th birthday on the 1st March and hope he will make his senior debut with them. Incidentally at least 6 stand offs have all made themselves available for that game.

TEAM PLAYED; SDUFF; C.BOOTHMAN; R.CLABBY; R.HARRISON; A.MARTON; G.PRITCHARD; P.RIVIS; M.BOOTHMAN; D.HUMPHRAYS; S.BUTLER; T.CASEY; B.BOOTHMAN. G.BENTLEY; A.BOOTHMAN; M.HAINES; C.PETCH

Sadly this game was abandoned not due to foul play but due to a serious dislocation to the ankle joint of a Redcar player.Malton wish the player a speedy recovery and thank referee Russ Stead for his prompt action in stopping play as well as all others present who assisted.

This was however a game played in a fantastic spirit with both teams willing to spread the play wide to create a free flowing and entertaining game for a record crowd who got full value for money unlike the supporters in Paris many of whom must have thought Bird Flu had reached France and had infected the England Team.

Despite 6 late cry offs Malt still managed a full 15 but the scrums had to go un opposed but from the off clearly demonstrated their intent to use their classy back division and from an early ruck Ross”Bernard “Harrison sprinted over from the half way line beating 4 Redcar player to score under the posts and Stand Off Charlie Foster made the first of his tally of five out of five conversions with a scuffed but effective kick.

Malt maintained the pressure and with un contested scrums the order of the day a clean attacking platform was made.Even in the lineouts the accurate throw of hooker Craig Petch found Andy Boothman with superb regularity and Marcus Lyon had the easy job of feeding Foster who used Simon Massey in a Tindall-like battering ram fashion who found Rob Clabby and with James Shallcross coming in at Full Back the game went to the Redcar 22.Tom Lund whose big early hits put Redcar on the back foot was alert from a Penalty and a quick Lyon pass saw Lund score.

Redcar then failed to find touch and Andy Marton ran the ball back and off loaded in the tackle and young Jamie Rounthwaite took over joined quickly by Benson Boothman and Steve Butler.Shallcross then burst through on a short ball and Malt went ahead again after Redcar had made two quick scores from jittery Scrum half play by Malt.21-19 was a narrow half time lead and despite all Malts’ possession the game was still in the balance.

Malt’ had a good half time talk with the focus on quick off loads in the tackle and this created more chances. Steve Butler and Harry Harrison snaffled Redcar and the young guns did the rest with Rounthwaite and the Boothman brothers running free and off loading superbly to keep Malt on top and Massey soon broke free, kicked ahead and with the luckiest bounce you may ever wish to see picked up and in the tackle fed Bernard Harrison who bagged his brace.

Rob Hicks then arrived to give Pete Rivis the chance to go to scrum half from second row and his first pass saw a sly grin from Lyon (who he replaced in the new fashion of pulling off skippers before the end) as on the fourth bounce it found Foster.Lyon kept warm hoping he may get back on. Sadly the next passes were silver service of a quality seldom seen at third team level and Lyon headed for an early bath. Next up was Rob Clabby who showed a clean pair of heels to sprint from the half way line and Malt was 35 points up. With Redcar showing signs of a come back the game came to an early end with the match abandoned. Malt thanks Redcar for making the journey and hope to meet up again next season under better circumstances.

This was the victory the Thirds have been working towards over the last few weeks and credit must be given to Withernsea who travelled with just 11 players which suited Malt who had plenty of spare players all itching to play a full game and in the first half Mark Haines, Bangers Bently, Pete Rivis and Ed Senior all put on the dark blue visitors shirts to make the game as competitive as possible. From the off Malt attacked and found their pack in imperious form with Matt Boothman and Charlie Richardson giving Jodie Stead to ply his trade at hooker and despite his usual whinges he performed admirably never losing a strike and always finding his jumper in Andy Boothman.After the first ruck poor Haines went off injured and James Shallcross decided to join Withernsea in the back row and did an effective job of spoiling possession and at times a yellow card would not have gone amiss for persistent offences. Malt soon took the lead through Bernard Harrison with a fine sprint from the half way line and this was the first of four tries for the youngster, who caused an early evacuation of the changing rooms before kick off. His best try came from slick hands from the backs that had pace to burn once it was out of the hands of Marcus Lyon with stand off Gareth Pritchard using a long ball to outside centre Charlie Foster to Craig Garnett at full back who created the overlap for Bernard to score. Inside centre Rob Clabby formed a useful partnership with Foster with his acute angled running breaking the gain line with ease for his forwards to set up the ball. Malts dominance enabled them to regularly utilise runners from the rucks with Richardson, Benson and his brother Andy Boothman taking the ball up field in a number of phases before the backs were let loose to score. Tom Lund at number 8 was in the thick of the action with some good breaks well supported by Jamie Rounthwaite who had his usual grafting game with some superb tackles and support play. Foster having scored a try then got carried away and missed a kick in front of the posts and then reminded his skipper of a drop goal attempt that had gone un noticed during the game as it looked more like a grub kick through.

At half time Malt had a healthy lead and a few shirts were swapped. Andy Marton,Rownthwaite,Pritchard ,and Ryan Lonsdale went to the visitors with Bentley,Ed Senior,James Shallcross and Gavin Williams joining Malt.Pete Rivis was unfortunate to leave injured after a fine game at Stand Off for the visitors receiving a varied service from the Withernsea scrum half and Rivis must have wished for his own silver service delivery The pattern of play continued and more tries were scored through Craig Garnett ,Rob Clabby,Tom Lund,,Charlie Richardon,Gavin Williams and James Shallcross with the conversions kicked by Harrison and Pritchard with misses from Foster and Williams.Ryan Lonsdale did his utmost to score for Withernsea but found Malt ready to commit as many players as needed to put him down with Bangers Bentley making the first of many telling tackles.The visitors did try to get the ball out wide and made some useful forays into Malton territory but found the Malt defence at its very best with Ed Senior on his debut putting in a superb tackle to stop a certain try. Malt was simply at their best and had the experience of Brian Lund to steady things at the right time. Benson Boothman was the last to score to bag a brace but should have realised that his scrum half and more importantly his skipper was weighing up the options at the back of a ruck

Before he chose to pick up and was driven over thus depriving his skipper of the chance for an easy try.
Referee Doug Lund had an excellent afternoon allowing advantage to be played at all times to let the game flow to entertain the crowd who must have been impressed by the quality of play.
Thanks go to Withernsea for making the journey and to all Malt players who played for them.