Yorkshire Two: Malton and Norton 18 pts, Keighley 16 pts

NEWLY-PROMOTED Malton got off to a winning start, but not before causing a few flutters in supporters' hearts, as the lead changed hands throughout the game.

Keighley opened the scoring with a penalty after early Malton pressure had failed to produce any points. This was soon equalled with a Will Barber effort for Malton. Both sides attempted to play open rugby, but early season rustiness and good defence prevented any further score until Keighley fly-half John Harrison gave his side the lead with a drop goal, which needed the assistance of the cross bar to get the points.

Malton's Liam Cowton then broke along the right touchline before showing great awareness to pass inside to Chris Creber to score close to the posts and regain the lead. Jamie McKay, who had seen an earlier effort ruled out, increased the lead when he burst through the Keighley line from a short pass from Creber to score from 30 metres out. Barber added the extras to give Malton a 15-9 lead at the break.

In the second half, handling was difficult as occasional showers made for a greasy ball, resulting in mistakes. Keighley struck a purple patch midway through the half and showed why they had been among the promotion contenders last term.

There was very little Malton could do to stop Keighley full-back Carl Smith from rounding off a very good move for his side's first try. Harrison converted to give his side a one-point lead and again raise the blood pressure levels of the Malton faithful.

The home side responded well and, after pressurising the visitors defence, Malton were awarded a penalty when a Keighley player failed to release the ball after a tackle. Up stepped Barber to stroke the ball between the posts to give Malton the lead and subsequent victory.

On first showing, Malton appear to have enough pace and invention to cope well in this higher league, providing they can overcome a lack of size in the pack to secure enough ball. Chris Robson had an outstanding game after a year's absence with a back injury.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, September 11, 2002