GRITTY PERFORMANCE EARNS THE DOUBLE
James Knock
The hard work and attention of the ground staff should not be underestimated in what is proving to be a trying and difficult period with the weather doing its worst! Two men went over the ground with forks and a couple of hours later ensured we could enjoy the local derby with a sold out lunch beforehand.
Malton kicked off towards the town and it quickly became apparent that pitch conditions would act as a leveller between two sides who at their last meeting in the heat of early September had between them scored 37 points.
The home side took time to settle into the game with Scarborough choosing to use their heavyweight forwards ball in hand to run at and occasionally through the Malton defence. In contrast Malton spun their possession down the three quarters and it was 30 minutes before the tactics were adjusted and the forwards were entrusted with some ball.
However it was the home side’s old nemesis that was responsible for the opening score as the increasing penalty count gave Scarborough an easy 3 points in the twelfth minute. 0-3
Five minutes later a move down the backs gave Upton space to chip ahead and chase down his tramline but the subtle defending hand on his collar went unseen by the referee and the supporting midfielder who had challenged for the loose ball was adjudged to be offside.
In the 35th minute Malton were given a penalty 30 metres out and took the touch kick option into the corner. Two more penalties followed and opting to scrummage with Featherstone wheeled on for some action a pickup at the base by Triffitt was fed blind to Angus who somewhat theatrically dived over the line for a simple score and a slender half time lead. 5-3
Malton rang the changes at the interval introducing Rounthwaite for Leggott and Foan for Foster. Malton started the half a man down with Stephenson yellow carded for deliberate hands in the ruck as the hosts were pressing. However it wasn’t long before the Malton eight took charge and rumbled to the Scarborough line and two or three phases later Dunn emerged with ball in hand to claim 5 points and Poole added the extras in the 50th minute. 12-3
Ten minutes on and a Malton attack was spoilt with a simple knock forward and Scarborough’s counter attack was snuffed out with a trademark Rounthwaite tackle the aforementioned making a welcome return to active service.
With 15 minutes remaining and only a 9 point lead a penalty within range of the sticks was tapped quickly by Angus but backchat saw it reversed and the visitors swept down to the home red zone when they converted yet another penalty to take the score to 12-6 with 13 minutes remaining.
Two minutes on and Malton living dangerously with a mounting and problematic penalty count Scarborough took another shot at goal which just dropped short.
With five minutes remaining and Malton pressing Featherstone well rested from his previous cameo trotted on for some more work and the result was immediate with a penalty earned at scrum time. This time Triffitt had no hesitation in pointing towards the uprights and Poole who had just come back onto the pitch coolly slotted the penalty to wrap up the scoring and with it the game and 4 league points.
An incident after the final whistle occurred which serves as a reminder of the laws of the game concerning conduct with regard to the referee who issued a red card to a visiting player who had in language not repeatable in this report questioned the official’s impartiality.
It would be amiss of me not to mention the well deserved man of the match award which went to Lowry who from the off was a constant live wire doing what is expected of a good flanker for the full eighty minutes.
Next week a trip to league leaders Selby before the Xmas and New Year break and the chance to close the gap in the league table.
It goes without saying the boys would welcome your support at a venue within striking distance.
Malton: Nick Salisbury, John Vasconcelos, Ben Boothman, Will Dunn, Darren Leggott, Tom Lowry, Charlie Reed, Sam Triffit(c), Paul Angus, James Bulmer, Jacob Stephenson, Blair Foster, Archie Johnson, Javan Upton, Shane Poole.
Subs(all used) Rob Featherstone, Jamie Rounthwaite, Tom Foan.
Scorers: Angus 1 try
Dunn 1 try
Poole 1 pen, 1 con
