Malton and Norton RUFC

LACKLUSTRE MALTON PAY THE PRICE.

James Knock

The incessant overnight rain ceased in time for the ground to absorb the deluge and provide a reasonable surface on a still wind free afternoon when 3 of our league fixtures fell victim to the weather. Our thanks go to our ground staff for their unsung efforts to ensure that the game took place.

Much was expected after recording a 5 point win in September at Heath.

Malton started brightly and in the first 10 minutes both packs were evenly matched with possession split equally. Malton worked their way to the visitors line and on the second scrum earned a penalty smartly taken for Featherstone to crash over and Bulmer to add the extras from the touch line on 11 minutes.
Three minutes later Heath with possession from a line out on the home 20 metre line moved the ball quickly left and a good off load back inside gave the supporting full back space to run in for 5 points only.
Malton had the chance to reply with a long touch finder from Bulmer to the Heath 20 metre line to initiate a set move but disappointingly lost the line out and with it the initiative.
On 30 minutes Heath visited Malton’s red zone and again seized their chance down the same channel as the previous visit for their no9 to score, again unconverted.
Heath’s advantage in what was becoming an arm wrestle was just starting to show and Malton had given up 3 key turn overs which takes away the momentum from under their feet.
Half time couldn’t come soon enough to regroup and discuss how to convert the possession and visits to the opposition red zone into points.
The second half opened with a dramatic high ball put up by Bulmer for Foan to chase and taking a brilliant catch he clashed with the Heath fullback who after several minutes of treatment departed the fray, Foan bravely continuing for several minutes till it became apparent that his day was also done.
On 47 minutes Sandow gave way to Hoggard in an effort to inject some zip into the back division, and there were some flashes of innovation but all too infrequent and any chances set up were unproductive.
On one occasion Dunn hacked through and chased a loose ball for 30 metres but with the soft ground the bounce 2 metres out did not go his way and the chance to emulate Exeter’s Witty went begging.
The visitors in contrast took their opportunities by the scruff and on 63 and 75 minutes added 2 more tries, 12 points, and 5 league points to bring to a close a dour afternoon’s rugby from the home side and their supporter’s perspective.
The weather over the next few days could play a part as we visit the Bees next week and a ground that is no stranger to flooding! Fingers crossed for a dry week and a firm surface.
Malton must use the game against a side rooted to the nether regions of the league table to take 5 points, put into practice the ideas and instructions they receive on Tuesdays and Thursdays at training, and regain some of the confidence and momentum garnered in the opening 3 months of the season.

MALTON:  Ali Fothergill,  Jake Starbuck,  Ed Lockwood,  Tom Foan,  Will Bell,  James Bulmer,  Rhys Sandow,  Nick Salisbury,  Bailey Lamb,  Rob Featherstone,  Charlie Read,  Sean Emms,  Will Dunn,  Tom Lowry,  Sam Triffitt (c).

Subs:  John Lumley,  Tom Smith,  Tom Hoggard,  (all used).

Scorers:   Featherstone  1 try.
                 Bulmer  1 con.