Roundhegians 14, Malton and Norton 48

Following on from last week's record-breaking haul, Malton and Norton ran up another big total.

Though the result slightly flattered them, it means they go into their most important game of the season against promotion rivals Stocksbridge on Saturday having scored over 150 points in their last two matches.

The result meant that Malton leapfrogged leaders Heath, who were on cup duty, thanks to a superior points difference.

Ironically, Heath were busy securing their trip to Twickenham in the Junior Cup, the equivalent of the Tetley Vase, which Malton won last year.

In fairness, Roundhegians could have doubled their own tally with a little more quality when it mattered.

The home pack pressurised Malton from the start but after a series of forward drives, wing Tim Chapman was freed to score in the corner. Roundhegians soon hit back with a try and conversion of their own to take the lead.

Malton looked dangerous out wide, culminating in right wing Neil Gilbertson powering over and scrum half Jon Newsome forced his way over on the stroke of half-time to give Malton a 15-7 lead.

With the strong wind at their backs, Malton went further ahead in the second period through a Phil Ryan try, which Ian Cooke converted. Roundhegians were no push-overs and their battling qualities were rewarded with a converted try.

Ian Mansell replaced the injured Gilbertson and announced his arrival with a try from inside his own half. Cooke converted to move Malton into the comfort zone.

As the home side began to wilt, Cooke took advantage of a fumble in defence to add his name to the try-scorers list, converting the score himself.

Skipper Chris Creber then struck when he sold a lovely dummy before sprinting to the line to score. Cooke converted.

There are no major injury doubts ahead of Saturday's big clash. Malton lost to Stocksbridge in the opening game of the season on what was a very small pitch.

It could be a different story on the full-sized Gannock pitch, however, which will allow Malton's lightning quick backs to use their pace to the full.

Malton and Norton 2nds 28

Roundhegians 5

Malton made it a double victory over Roundhegians with a resounding victory but were disappointed not to score more and to concede points themselves.

After Friend and Pease had made good yardage, James Browne, in the unfamiliar role of winger, touched down to open the scoring.

With Charlie Breese showing great strength under pressure to feed the forwards, further points came from Sledger who crossed the line after a forward surge.

Malton then began to play as individuals rather than a team, allowing the visitors to score.

They reasserted themselves at the start of the second half, following a great move. A line-out in the corner was cleanly taken by Friend for Hicks to take the ball on to a ruck, from which Wright forced his way over to complete a double over Roundhegians, having also scored in the away match.

As the backs became more involved, James Shallcross rounded off his debut with a fine run to complete the scoring. Stuart Duff completed a fine kicking performance to gain maximum points with the boot.

The next round of the North Yorkshire Cup away at Wharfedale Rams is on Easter Saturday.

Malton and Norton 3rds 5

Scarborough 14

After last week's 'training session' at Bridlington, this was a much closer contest for Malton against their local rivals.

Defeat was unfortunate as Malton's defence performed superbly, full-back Jonathon Hall impressing in particular. Centres Paddy McGinty and Tony Armstrong made good breaks but the Seasiders picked up loose ball, which their backs used to score twice to lead 14-0 at half-time.

With the introduction of Harry Harrison, Rich Neal and Nigel Williams into the front row, the forwards had fresh legs.

Tristan Lee emerged from beneath several bodies to score. Peter Hartley narrowly missed the conversion.

Steve Piercy made his debut and Richard Corner left the field with a sore shoulder, having tackled his heart out once again.

Updated: 10:20 Thursday, March 14, 2002