Malton and Norton 18 Stocksbridge 5. Cometh the hour, cometh the team. Malton and Norton have now established themselves as promotion favourites after seeing off one of their nearest challengers in a hard-fought battle at The Gannock.

With rivals Leeds Corinthians and Otliensians both losing, there is now daylight between the top two of Malton and Heath and the chasing pack.

Coach Pat Stephenson was full of praise for the way his young side dealt with the physical test posed by an experienced Stocksbridge outfit.

He said: "We put in a lot of hard work leading up to the game and we stood up to the task well. The dry conditions certainly helped us. If it had been wet and greasy, it may have been different."

With three out of their four remaining matches being at the Gannock, Malton have a great opportunity to make up for last year's disappointment. But Stephenson warned against complacency, saying: "We are in the driving seat but after three years of stumbling at the last fence, it is important we keep it together."

Malton's game plan was to move the ball wide and away from the huge Stocksbridge pack. From the kick-off, they moved into scoring territory and were awarded an early penalty, which Ian Cooke converted.

Malton scored again, almost immediately from the restart, when the ball was spun wide for full-back Cooke to cross for a try, which he converted, to give his side a ten-point lead after only three minutes.

Using their superior weight and strength, Stocksbridge rallied as they sought to batter a way through the home line. But terrific defence from the Malton pack held them at bay. Though Malton were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage, after the visitors' number eight was sinbinned, they were more than happy with a ten point lead at the break.

In the second period, Stocksbridge again tried to out-muscle Malton through the pack. Wing Simon Kippax got them back in the game with an unconverted try, but despite their territorial advantage, this was the only time Malton's defence was penetrated.

The home side extended their lead when Ian Mansell scorched over, following a quick throw-in. Malton edged further in front with a penalty from Cooke.

Nobody expected a classic encounter against a side playing nine-man rugby but the large crowd were treated to a fine team performance from Malton, with every man giving 110pc.

James McKay was the HSBC man of the match for a tremendous display in the back row. Phil Ryan put himself about well and Andy Mitchell produced his best display, since gaining a regular place, with some ferocious tackling.

Updated: 12:37 Thursday, March 21, 2002