Malton and Norton RUFC

Scarborough 3rds 0 - Malton & Norton 3rds 10

Pat Lane

A biting icy gale and horizontal sleet did not phase this Malton side who impressively stood up to the considerable challenge laid down by the home side.

Malton had put 50 points passed Scarborough earlier in the season but as they expected this side were a different outfit and challenged for every ball. Malton started with the strong breeze and got off to a great start when the impressive Will Kemp crashed over from the ruck for the first try of the afternoon.

However, any thoughts that Scarborough would be overrun again were soon dispelled as they stood up to some good attacking moves with John Ordidge who stepped into scrum half just before kick-off getting his backs going forward and making some useful breaks despite the atrocious conditions. This game was all about the forwards with two evenly matched sets, all Maltons forwards were excellent and never took a backward step, the back row of Sutton, Watson and Kemp tackled and attacked all afternoon. The conditions made handling very difficult but despite this Collins and Coulson attacked at every opportunity and were denied by some good defence from the home side. The front row trio of Watson, Hickes and Leckenby battled for everything and were well supported by pack leader North and his second-row partner Newsome. Despite all Maltons possession Malton could not breach the Scarborough line and the score line remained at five nil at half time.

Malton had to play into the strong wind and rain in the second half and right from the off Scarborough used the conditions to put the visitors under pressure but still the Malton defence were up to the challenge. The match continued to be a dominated by defence particularly among the forwards while back play became more difficult with a slippery poor ball. Malton freshened up midway through the second half with Smith and Finlinson replacing Newsome and Coulson and ten minutes later there were enough subs for Malton to bring on a new front row of father and son props the Milton Wrights and the elder Humphreys at hooker. Despite all the changes in the pack Maltons forward display did not fall off and with five minutes to go Man of the Match Sutton charged over for Maltons second score. Malton brought on Sean Ward at second row to replace the hard-working North and credit to Malton to keep their discipline throughout the game.

This was a well-deserved hard-earned victory by this 3s side who work hard for each other and play with a smile on their face, this team is building a strong team bond as was shown by the excellent turnout with nine subs and only two who were not utilised due to medicinal reasons. Next week the 3s face a tough rematch at home to Pocklington but this improving side will look forward to the challenge.