Scarborough 3s 12 - 5 Malton and Norton 3s
Pat Lane
A 3s squad of 17 players turned out for their local derby fixture which was played in artic conditions on the bottom pitch which seemed to be nearer the North Sea than Scarborough’s impressive clubhouse. Malton’s winger for the day Simon Harwood who was on a weekend visit to the north had a tough introduction to a wet and windy Scarborough in December.
The hosts turned out a big set of forwards and set their stall out early how they wanted to play their forward dominated game but typical of Malton 3s they took on the challenge competing for every ball. Although Scarborough were carrying hard into Malton’s half the visitors also had their chances making some good breaks from forwards and backs alike particularly from the back row of Ordidge, Tyson and Newsome along with centres Rob Dempsey and debutant Alastair Keen both of whom tackled well and made ground when given the opportunity in difficult conditions.
Ten minutes in Scarborough lost their lively scrumhalf following a collision but this did not deter them, and they continued to pound Malton’s defence. The home side’s pressure was finally rewarded with the first try of the day following a well worked forwards move, the conversion was successful. The visitors then introduced Jody Stead for the hard-working Sean Ward, Stead making his seasonal debut to help out the 3s. Malton attempted to open up the stubborn home defence with ambitious plays but just could not retain possession, a lapse in the defensive line then allowed the Scarborough forwards to crash over for their second try in the right corner. This second score appeared to revive the visitors and they started to make yardage and played the remainder of the first half in the home sides half. Malton’s forwards were working tirelessly despite the pounding from the Scarborough forwards, Leckenby, Pinks and Megginson and the rest taking the ball up, special mention should also go to Joe Oliphant who stepped into hooker for the first time, playing the entire game against a big, experienced Scarborough pack. Despite Malton’s pressure they could not get over the line and on several occasions the ball was lost in contact just before the try line. At half time despite a dominant home side pack Malton felt they were still in the game but knew they needed to retain possession particularly from scrums.
Malton kicked off the second half but handed a scrum to the opposition when it did not go 10m, the home side using the scrum to lay down a marker for the second half. Malton made some tactical switches with the speedy Walker going to fullback and the reliable Midgley to scrumhalf, Tyson moved to Number 8. Because of the difficulty providing clean ball from scrums Malton had to resort to pick and go from the back of their own scrums, Tyson was very effective in this role and started to put Malton on the front foot. Keen then moved to out half with captain Collins moving to his favoured centre position unfortunately the captain had to take a break due to a head collision. Keen looked comfortable both in his kicking game, making breaks and moving the ball. Despite the weather Dempsey in the centre never stopped defending and looking for attacking opportunities, it was not a day to be on the wing where the trio of Harwood, veteran Green and debutant Lee Timms made their tackles and took the limited opportunities when they arose. Captain Collins then returned to the fray knowing they needed a score. Malton thought they had their score when ever present Pinks appeared to score a well taken try but was denied by the ref who felt there was too much rolling going on. Malton continued to press and in the dying minutes were rewarded when ironically it was Pinks who crashed over for a much deserved try for him and the team.
Despite the disappointment of a loss, well done to this group for turning out and delivering a spirited display despite the conditions. Special thanks to the guys who stepped in late on so that the fixture could take place. The 3s are now on a well-earned Christmas break although I’m sure there will be plenty of interest in having a runout on Boxing Day.
