Malton & Norton 2s 10 - 10 Ilkley 2s
Malton & Norton 2s 10 – Ilkley 3rds 10 Malton got their 2022 off to a great start with a well-earned draw against a touring Ilkley side in a game that was played in a great spirit. Ilkley started off very strongly with a strong running close handling game but an excellent defensive effort from Malton repelled the opposition and Malton stood up well to attack after attack.
Ilkley’s pressure was eventually rewarded when they crashed over with a well taken try. Much of the first half was owned by Ilkley but Maltons forwards to a man well lead by pack leader Megginson supported by the experienced North as well as Scaife, Hicks and Knaggs who had a fine game at 7 contributing with an impressive tackle count, young hooker Luke Humphries also had another fine game.
Well done to man of the match Ali Wilkinson who stepped in at prop after replacing Adam Leckonby who had to withdraw after picking up an injury in the warm-up. Malton spent much of the first half defending but took every opportunity to move the ball wide despite the poor handling conditions however the Ilkley defence was up to the task and Malton had to settle with a penalty kick from James Wood to get on the scoreboard. A lapse in concentration just before halftime allowed Ilkley’s strong running winger in for their second try, this was to be their last score in the game as Maltons defence stepped up time and time again to keep the visitors out.
Malton started strongly in the second half and were putting together some good moves and were unlucky not to capitalise, Malton finally got their direct, straight running and support play working and were really stretching the visitors defence, some great runs from Caleb Barrett from fullback should have yielded some scores but last-ditch tackling, or a stray pass just let some great moves down. Malton backs Dempsey, Wood and Tweddell were also finding gaps and were stretching Ilkley at every opportunity, captain Clark at flyhalf continued to drive Malton forward despite the poor conditions in what was a great team effort.
Mid way through the second half Malton were able to bring on some fresh legs, second row North who had another fine game was replaced by Kev Smith and Nick Embleton replaced Marshall on the wing both fitting in well and picking up the pace of the game. Maltons persistence was rewarded when after another break was halted on the line who else, but man of the match Wilkinson crashed over for a well deserved try which was again converted by Wood.
Malton probably should have scored again to wrap it up and had a chance at the end to win it with a penalty kick but sportingly kicked for touch which proved to be the last play in a very enjoyable sporting game. Well done to all who contributed and let’s hope there will be plenty more of these fixtures to keep these teams together.
Final mention must go to our tighthead prop and Director of Rugby JR who chased down every play for the full game and still managed to look remarkably fresh at the end.
