Yorkshire Shield Second Round - Stocksbridge 22 pts - Malton and Norton 39 pts. After an early scare, Malton and Norton progressed comfortably into the third round on one of the most exposed grounds in Yorkshire.

Facing a gale in the first half, Malton adopted the sensible tactic of keeping the ball in hand and driving at the opposition. Stocksbridge relied on kicking to the corner, using the conditions to their benefit.

With Liam Vaughan and Tony Reynolds to the fore, the visitors monopolised possession and opened the scoring after 15 minutes when good ruck ball was given to fly-half Chris Creber, who made a half-break to put Will Barber clear for the opening try. Ian Cooke, who notched up a personal total of 24 points, converted.

Malton allowed the hosts to get back into the game with two long-range penalties before James McKay restored the lead for the Yorkshire One side with a try following a strong burst to the line.

Stocksbridge, although lacking the individual skills of Malt, did not lack spirit and fought back to score a good try of their own after some poor defence in the Malton ranks to give them a 14-12 lead at the break.

After the break, Malton, with the gale at their backs, turned the screw. David Webster was the architect of the first score with a good break before drawing his marker and passing to Ian Cooke, who beautifully side-stepped his way through for a try. He converted himself to give Malton the lead.

Ten minutes into the second half, Jon Newsome replaced Matt Miers, who gained valuable experience at scrum-half. With a clever chip over the defence, Newsome set up Cooke, who beat his man in a chase to the line for his second converted try.

Two Cooke penalties further extended the lead before Stocksbridge struck back with a penalty of their own.

Ryan Lonsdale then entered the fray for after a lay-off with injury and quickly made his mark with a powerful run into the centre of the home defence. He followed this up with another powerful burst to get his name on the scoresheet with a well-deserved try which Cooke converted.

Stocksbridge still had enough fight left to drive Malton over the line for a good forwards' try. However, the tie was now won and Malton had shown they can cope in adverse conditions as well as on fine days.

This Saturday, Malton entertain Old Crossleyans.

Updated: 11:53 Wednesday, December 17, 2003