Scunthorpe 3rds 54 - Malton & Norton 3rds 10
Malton and Norton 3s final game of the season was a well-deserved semi-final match up away to top of the table Scunthorpe. Scunthorpe deserved their top spot in this competitive league, and they produced a classy display, always willing to run the ball from anywhere and their big hard running forwards and backs made plenty of ground. However, commitment and tenacity are never lacking in this Malton outfit who time and time again took on and beat bigger sides throughout the season. Malton started brightly and opened the scoring with a well taken penalty from the impressive Dylan Jones at outhalf, as ever the forwards with pack leader North battled for every ball with the back row of Kemp, Ordidge and young Marshall impressing again. Scunthorpe wanted to run at every opportunity and aided by a strong breeze tried to pin Malton back in their own 22, however Maltons brave defence were up to the task and madeexcellent breaks with Collins, Armitage and Midgley to the fore however against the run of play a break away from the impressive No 6. who raced the length of the pitch to score under the posts, the score was repeated by the same player a few minutes later to increase their lead. Despite plenty of possession Maltons lineout was under severe pressure andtime and time again good ground was given up. Maltons efforts were rewarded after an excellent exchange between forwards and backs set up young Connor Biggins for a try in the corner which was excellently converted by Jones. Malton continued to press but giving away so much possession at the set piece was costly and Scunthorpe broke out of their half twice and scored two more tries to lead 26 to 10 at half time. This Malton side still believed they were in this game and the excellent Hickes supported by Watson and Leckonby in the front row had no intention of giving up.
Malton started the second half positively, however a couple of key changes in the home sides line up allowed them to move the ball quickly and outstrip the Malton defence and run in a couple of well taken tries. This would have sunk many sides,but this Malton group were not willing to give up and started to create more chances, varying the lineout throws also started to secure some possession. After about an hour Malton brought on some replacements with the versatile veteran Liam Cowton going to wing then moving to second row to give Kev Smith who had another impressive performance a well-earnedbreak. The hard-working Ordidge was also replaced by Stephenson in the back row. The enigmatic Drury filled the gap on the wing and was in the thick of it straight awayappearing to show off his martial arts skills. Malton then brought on evergreen Milton Wright the elder to replace Leckonby at prop who had another fine game. Malton were still pressing for that elusive score, and everyone thought the excellent captain Collins was in only to be held up by a last-ditch tackle. Scunthorpe were deserved winners and good hosts, but this Malton bunch should be very proud of their efforts this season, there is now a healthy mix of youth and experience and great to have a group of talented colts coming in to the set up and making a great contribution.
The players awards evening is on Friday 6th May and it would be great to have a proper 3s turnout to celebrate a great season. Well done to everyone involved.
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