Malton and Norton RUFC

Malton & Norton 3rds 22 – Driffield 4ths 17

Pat Lane

Malton 3s had another competitive fixture against neighbours Driffield at a sunny Gannock in what was our fifth meeting this season. Driffield who can always be guaranteed to provide a tough challenge did not disappoint, they started strongly with strong running backs and opened with two quick tries while Malton were still enjoying the lovely spring weather. Malton led by Captain Collins playing his second match after turning out for the victorious Veterans the night before started to compete and close down Driffield’s lively backs. Knaggs, Sutton, Smith et all were now starting to make yardage against the visitors pack competing well at the scrum and lineout and this pressure was rewarded with a well taken try from the impressive Sutton. Newcomers second row Keregowski and hooker Clarke contributed well in the exchanges and it was another new recruit young Bryon Marshall who crashed over for his first senior try and in only his second game is already looking very comfortable in the back row. Jordan Smith was having another good game providing his outhalf Newton good forward ball for his backs with centres Coulson and Collins now making good yards. Father and son props the Wrights were also putting in a good shift, the match went from end to end but it was Driffield who managed to extend their lead just before half time scoring another try. Although Malton knew they had started slowly they were now very much back in this game. Adam Thompson replaced captain Collins who had put in another great shift but now needed to put his feet up, Thompson fitted in seamlessly with some excellent defence and some nice breaks. Malton then brought on Angus for the injured Newton at outhalf and swapped one pacey wing Marshall for another flyer Berkashe. The lineouts were proving to be very competitive, some indiscipline from a Driffield player resulted in a yellow card and from this Knaggs, now the stand in captain reached over for a vital try, which was converted by Angus to make it 17-17 and all to play for. Briggs then replaced the younger Wright at prop and straight away made his presence felt with some great tackles, one such collision resulted in the Driffield player having to leave the field for a blood injury and Driffield were down to 13 men. Despite two players less Driffield kept Malton at bay with some determined defence. In the final few minutes with both sides back to full compliment Malton were rewarded with a fourth try when scrum-half Smith scarpered down the left wing to secure the winning try. This was a very entertaining game with some excellent running rugby played in a sporting manner by both sides.

Malton 3s are at home again this Saturday to Bridlington which gives the home side the chance to reverse the defeat suffered away to this side recently.