Yorkshire Three

Malton and Norton 123,

Wath-on-Dearne 7

Someone had to suffer for last week's defeat against Heath and it was Wath who were the unlucky victims of a 19-try record romp by Malton and Norton.

Coach Bill Laidler confirmed it was the club's biggest ever league win and believed that Chris Creber's six-try haul and Ian Cooke's 13 conversions were also club records.

More importantly, the win sounded a warning to Malton's rivals that despite the previous week's defeat, they are still very much in the hunt for promotion.

They have accumulated a massive 614 points from 16 games - 125 points more than the next highest scorers in the league, leaders Heath, with whom they are now level in terms of points difference.

The Gannock surface had made a remarkable recovery from the drenching it had taken during the week, providing perfect conditions for Malton.

A young, inexperienced Wath outfit had no answer to the pace and invention of the home side. After only seven minutes, Malton had opened up a 21-point lead and an avalanche was on the cards.

Some of the ball handling and lines of running from backs and forwards was top class. At half-time, Malton led 49-0, having scored seven tries, all being converted by Ian Cooke.

In the second half, recent convert Rob Laverick was introduced and he marked his home league debut with a strong run under the posts. With Wath totally demoralised, the scoring became a procession as Malton put on a breathtaking show of rugby.

As well as Creber's six-try haul, Carl Rushworth bagged four and Ian Mansell touched down three times. Other tries came from Matt Richmond, Neil Gilbertson, Phil Ryan, James McKay and Tim Chapman.

Match sponsor Francis Transport rightly decided the entire team should receive the man of the match award.

With promotion rivals Leeds Corinthians losing, Malton move into third spot, one point behind Stocksbridge but with a game in hand and a points difference infinitely better than their rivals.

There are no major injury doubts for the journey to lowly Roundhegians this weekend, other than David Webster, who is still sidelined with a calf injury.

Malton and Norton have been drawn away to Keighley in the third round of the Yorkshire Shield on March 23.

Malton and Norton 2nds 36

Wath 0

The seconds were disappointed not to win by a bigger margin but nevertheless, the victory maintained their 100pc record.

Steve Pease and Jim Fisher opened the scoring with a try each, but Malton then sat back. After a stern half-time talk, they stepped up a gear in the second period. Steve Pease added a further two further tries. Alistair Australian capped a fine debut with a try. Jim Fisher finished off the scoring. Stuart Duff made two conversions.

Bridlington 83

Malton and Norton 3rds 0

While Malton firsts were breaking records, the thirds were busting a gut to prevent a landslide as they faced a Brid side including six first teamers.

Malton were unlucky not to score three times before Brid, who play in North-east division two, showed their quality.

Though the home side piled up the points, Malton's defence never stopped working. Richard Corner tackled his heart out and Ian Teasdale led by example.

Updated: 11:20 Thursday, March 07, 2002