MALTON & Norton sealed their place in the second round of the Papa John’s Community Cup with a 46-14 victory at Bridlington.

The Ryedale side had won both the sides’ league meetings by a total margin of 61-13, and they were in a buoyant mood, with a home second round draw their reward for a blistering first half.

Malton kicked off in perfect conditions, with a half-break by Jack Jones winning them the game’s first penalty for holding.

Paul Angus slotted over the three points, and did so again after a similar infringement just two minutes later.

The visitors continued to pressure the Bridlington line, and were soon rewarded, Ben Boothman claiming the try from a forward drive before Angus put them 13-0 to the good.

Such was Malton’s dominance, Bridlington had only entered their half three times by the quarter-hour, all from restarts.

Tom Foan increased the visitors’ lead from a clean line-out catch and drive straight from the training pitch, but they then began to find themselves under pressure for the first time.

However, Malton were able to hold them out, instead adding to their advantage on the half-hour when Ali Fothergill blitzed his way downfield uncontested to score.

Jones added his name to the scoresheet after ghosting through a gap in the Bridlington line but though the hosts did hit back after winning a succession of penalties, the 32-7 half-time scoreline had Malton firmly in the driving seat.

Ben Tenge sent the visiting support into raptures as he made 50 metres at the beginning of the second half, putting Malton firmly within Bridlington’s red zone.

However, that proved to be the only highlight of most of the rugby after the break, with both sides frustrated after squandering field position and conceding unnecessary errors.

A flurry of activity in the final minutes of a long and somewhat tedious period saw Malton’s Archie Johnson add a further seven points, before Bridlington swept 60 metres to score a beautiful converted try, taking the score to 39-14.

Malton were then awarded a penalty try for a tackle on Javan Upton as he chased James Bulmer’s chip, as they comfortably sealed their progression.

Next weekend,  Malton will host Stockton, who defeated Middlesbrough in their opening round tie, at The Gannock.