Yorkshire One - Old Crossleyans 16 pts - Malton and Norton 19 pts. If you had any fingernails left after England's magnificent performance against Australia, spare a thought for the Malton and Norton supporters who travelled to Halifax to undergo the same torture for the second time in one day last Saturday.

Just like Jonny Wilkinson's last-gasp World Cup-winning drop-kick, Malton's winning score came with only seconds left on the clock.

The postage-stamp size pitch was far from Malton's liking but they started with a bang, denying Old Crossleyans possession and dominating territorially. Phil Ryan and Liam Vaughan were prominent in several ground-gaining forays by the pack.

But, against the run of play, Malt lost possession, the ball was whipped along the three-quarter line and, assisted by poor Malton defensive work, the left wing slid over in the corner for the opening score.

In an error-strewn game, Malton were always likely to get a penalty decision or two. Ian Cooke duly put them in the lead with two penalties.

Malton then allowed Crossleyans far too much room on the outside and paid the penalty when the hosts scored their second try. The conversion was unsuccessful but a penalty shortly afterwards was easily converted to give Crossleyans a seven-point lead. On the stroke of half-time, Cooke added his third penalty to bring his side within four points.

The second half began with Malton still making too many errors in the early stages. Despite having the lions' share of territorial advantage, they conceded either ground or ball too often.

Having missed enough penalty attempts to put his side in the clear, the Crossleyans fly-half, Jamie Grayshon, extended the lead with a successful effort which stirred Malton into action.

They began to play as they had started, with more passion and commitment. Duncan Foster and Andy Mitchell were winning the line-outs and several good forward drives were set up.

From the hour mark onwards, Malton were camped in the home half of the field. With ten minutes left, they were awarded a penalty which Cooke slotted over to bring his side ever nearer the win.

In the final minute, a maul was set up 15 metres from the Crossleyans' line. Showing great ball control, the pack edged ever closer to the whitewash. Jon Newsome took over the role of general at the back and Chris Creber added his bit for the final surge to the line for Newsome to get the touch-down and a one-point lead.

The Malton supporters went delirious and Cooke added the conversion. There was just time for the restart before the final whistle sounded and Malton had gained a victory at a place where no other side have triumphed for two years.

The win keeps Malt in second place in the league, trailing Pontefract by one point. But more importantly, it gives them a five-point cushion in front of third-placed Huddersfield YMCA.

The Gannock side are at home to Wheatley Hills this Saturday (kick-off, 2.15pm).

Malton and Norton II 22 pts

Bridlington 13 pts

Bridlington were expected to be tough opponents and were the first to get points on the board with a penalty. Malton soon came back after 25 minutes when George Mosey went over in the far corner to score Malton's first try.

The first half was dominated by Malton, playing mostly in their opponents' half. A second try soon followed from Tom Stephenson. Bridlington got a penalty just before the break, making the score at half-time 10-6 to Malton.

Malton kept the pressure on in the second half, but Bridlington were stronger and gained more of the possession. However, it was Malton who scored next with a try from man of the match Dave Knaggs. David Webster made the conversion.

Ian Mansell, with blistering pace, added a fourth which sealed the victory for Malton. Bridlington scored a consolation try late in the second half.

The whole team put in a good performance to gain a deserved win and set them up well for another tough match this week at Barton.

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, November 26, 2003