Malton & Norton 3rds 17 – Pocklington 19
Pat Lane
Despite a narrow lost to local rivals Pocklington, Malton 3rds put in one of their best performances of the season in atrocious wintery conditions at The Gannock. Having gone down to a heavy defeat at Pocklington recently this Malton outfit were determined to come out fighting and they did not disappoint. In conditions which made handling very difficult Malton forwards and backs took it to the opposition winning collisions and retaining the ball well, the backs contained the dangerous backs in early exchanges and were rewarded with the first score when the impressive tighthead prop Martin Watson crashed over for the first try of the game. The backrow of Knaggs, Mansell and Josh Watson were everywhere and hounded the opposition. Pack leader North drove the team on, and they continued to dominate territory however a cruel interception in the Pocklington 22 allowed the fullback to sprint the length of the pitch to score under the posts, totally against the run of play. Smith and Tench who had fine games at halfbacks continued to take the ball to the line and started to put in some clever kicks to get in behind the strong defence. Malton were rewarded with their second try when flanker Mansell crashed over in the corner after some great work from the pack. Pocklington continued to kick hoping Malton would knock forward in possession but fullback Midgley who had his best game yet was up to the task and collected and made good yards on several occasions. Malton’s defence were again excellent especially centres Captain Collins and Armitage who never took a back step, Elliott Richardson in his first start for the 3s had a fine game on the wing and was unlucky not to be awarded a score after some fine breaks. Marshall is growing into wing despite it not being a day for wingers and we look forward to seeing his speed on better ground. Malton went in at half time with a slender lead of three points.
The worsening conditions made handling very difficult, and the attritional nature of the game meant both sides made use of their good supply of subs. Kev Smith who never stopped working was replaced by Jake Newsome, Ordidge came on for Mansell at flanker and the impressive Leckonby was replaced at prop by young Keiron Milton Wright. Malton pushed forward and outhalf Tench found the rampaging back row Knaggs who picked a lovely line to score under the posts, Tench made the conversion. A quality side like Pocklington would never give up and started to put some good moves together and well worked possession in the forwards set them up for a fine try. Collins ran himself to a standstill and had to come in early, Richardson them moved to centre and was replaced on the wing by O Shea. With the snow now coming down and some very cold bodies making it very difficult a lapse in defence allowed the strong running opposition prop to break through some tackles and score just before the end to level up the game, the conversion was scored from under the posts and with only a few minutes left on the clock took a two-point lead. Malton were not willing to give up and kept carrying bravely, the impressive Hickes at hooker made some excellent breaks, as did man of the match Midgley, Newsome and Ordidge all carried well. However, Pocklington held out to win the game which was played sportingly by both sides. Special thanks must go to referee Richard John who had a fine game and kept both sides honest.
This was a tough loss to take against a very good side, but Malton put in one of their best performances of the season and should take that forward into their remaining matches. Malton 3s are at home this week to Hull Ionians which will provide another good test for our 3s.
