BIZARRE FINISH AT THE GANNOCK
James Knock
Moortown arrived at the Gannock on a perfect day for open rugby with an eighteen man squad showing only 4 changes from the last meeting of the two squads in mid September, a situation most coaches would welcome.
They kicked off from the football ground end and forced a line out but Malton's first throw in ominously missed the catcher. This error was the first of several as Moortown put the pressure on without reward and Malton took their time to settle into the game. However on 10 minutes a turnover in mid pitch was put to good use with James Bulmer firing a long miss pass to Ali Fothergill on the right 30 metres out who bulldozed his way to within sight of the line and with quick clean recycled ball moved left it was a formality for Chris Joe to dot down for a 5 pointer.
Malton now hit their straps and with a stream of quality ball saw Ben Tenge who is so strong in attack and blessed with the ability to stay on his feet when tackled, ride 2 tackles, make a break and feed the supporting Paul Angus who raced 30 metres up the touch line to score a 5 pointer on 18 minutes.
Moortown now came into the game and with a delicate chip kick that was initially knocked on by a Malton back and caught by a retreating forward in an offside position kicked the three points on the 23 minute mark.
Seven minutes later Malton hit back with a pick up and feed from no8 Sam Triffitt for Bulmer to chip kick, follow up and claim a converted try under the sticks following a period of relentless excellent work by the eight forwards ensuring quality ball at the base of both ruck and set piece scrummage.
On 35 minutes it was Moortown's turn when Malton's poor discipline and increasing penalty count gave the visitors field position and Moortown taking advantage with a penalty kick to the corner, their no2 coming up with the ball after an Exeter style rumble from a line out close to the Malton whitewash for 5 points only.
Half time 17-8 to the hosts and the stage set for Act 2 when as befits Pantomime season the villains made their belated appearances.
Four minutes into the 2nd half a pick up at the base of the scrum by the impressive skipper and no8 Triffitt was fed to Angus who making ground fed Fothergill who used his bulk to go over wide out for the bonus point try not converted, to make it 22-8 and plenty to play for.
The next 25 minutes saw Moortown dominate proceedings and score an unanswered 19 points through their no's 2,11,and 13, with their 10 adding 4 points from the tee.
They used the power of their heavy pack and some strong running from midfield to earn these points and indeed should have scored more but for the resolute tackling by Triffitt covering his winger and saving a two on one by putting the ball carrier into touch with some force.
Also a strong holding up in the tackle by Charlie Read to earn a turnover was notable especially as he had made the move from lock to no7 at short notice. He is a boy to keep an eye on!
During this period Malton fielded several long kicks and rather than backing themselves and running straight,hard, and true wafted passes to the full back stranded in midfield putting him under pressure.
With 72 minutes on the clock and an extra 5 injury minutes to be added,and the floodlights on in the Stygian gloom especially at the wooded end of the ground the stage was set for Malton to find 7points and take the spoils
Now the villains made their belated bows and taking centre stage with Malton on the rampage Moortown used a combination of injuries and cynical deliberate interferences to slow down play and earn not one but three yellow cards in the space of 5 minutes.
Malton's front row licking their lips now took over the floor and played to the spectators in the stalls behind the line who had paid top dollar for these seats.
With the referee's warning ringing in their ears that the 4th scrum penalty offence would give him no option, Moortown's pack ignored his advice and came up from yet another collapsed scrum to find the man with the whistle under the posts with his arm held high and Malton's players and supporters celebrating on the 92 minute mark.
Next week we visit West Hartlepool and hope to build on this successful start to the second half of the league season.
Video Highlights available please email sketchyrob_1@hotmail.co.uk for the link....
Malton: Will Bell, Chris Joe, Vus Dyantjies, Ben Tenge, Ali Fothergill, James Bulmer, Paul Angus, Ian Salisbury, Bailey Lamb, Rob Featherstone, Jack Hobbs, Will Dunn, Tom Lowry, Charlie Read, Sam Triffitt (c).
Subs: Pete Hopkins, Jamie Rounthwaite, (both used).
Nathan Pratt(not used).
Scorers: Chris Joe 1try, Paul Angus 1try, 1con, James Bulmer 1try, Ali Fothergill 1try.
1 penalty try
MARIST 31 - MALTON 2s 22
