Driffield 4ths 30 - Malton & Norton 3s 7
Pat Lane
The final scoreline does not reflect the effort and commitment shown by Malton & Norton at a dreary damp Driffield.
The game ebbed and flowed with Malton creating many chances only to see the final moves breaking down. In the first quarter Driffield pressed hard but as ever Maltons defence was excellent and Driffield had to resort to penalty kicks and opened up a six points lead.
The penalty count was starting to take its toll on Malton as time and time again they could not capitalise on their opportunities. Driffield finally breached Maltons try line when they scored in the corner with an overlap following sustained pressure on the Malton line and they followed up with a second try from a well worked backs move.
Maltons forwards never took a back step with impressive displays from all eight and well lead by pack leader Ben Hickes. Kev Smith, Jake Newsome, Adam Leckonby, John Ordidge and Co were again excellent and scrum half Harvey Sutton in his first run out for the 3s continued to test the Driffield defences.
Just before half time with Malton pressing for their first score, they managed to give up possession and against the run of play Driffield capitalised with a soft try which gave them a half time lead of 23 – 0.
Captain Collins half time speech rallied his troops, and they flew out of the blocks and dominated the first quarter but still could not get on the scoreboard. Driffield were now soaking up all that Malton could throw at them and slick passing in the backs gave Driffield a couple more tries created by overlaps out wide.
Malton still would not give in with strong runs from Collins, Coulson and fullback Tumman who grew in confidence with some great breaks out of defence as the game went on. With around ten minutes to go Driffield got their last score to give them a 30-point lead, but Malton came back again and again determined to get that elusive score.
In the dying minutes Maltons perseverance and grit was rewarded with the try which should have come much earlier in the game, Harvey Sutton crashing over after some strong rucking, Collins had the final say in the game with a successful conversion.
Although this looks like a heavy defeat, Malton can again take great credit for their teamwork and commitment and if they can focus on the basics and keep the penalty count down, they will be a match for any side in this league.
Well done to all and have a great Christmas break which you all deserve.
