MALTON & Norton RUFC Under-17s overcame their sternest test of the season to stretch their winning run to seven games with a 24-13 success against Ripon.

A determined Ripon team, who harbour their own title ambitions, started well and pinned Malton in their half, but determined defence saw the visitors come away with only three points.

At this stage, Malton had not yet found any rhythm and looked anything but winners.

However, as the half wore on they slowly began to push Ripon back and spent the last ten minutes of the half camped on the Ripon line without making any impact on the scoreboard.

A good talking to at half-time soon had Malton back to their best and, despite Ripon adding another penalty to stretch their lead to 6-0, Malton began to turn the screw.

Firstly, James Bulmer crossed the line after sustained pressure from the now dominant Malton pack and soon after Ben Tenge danced his way through the defence.

There was a tangible change in momentum as Caleb Barrett added the extras to give Malton a 12-6 lead.

Malton’s pack were now back to their best and a series of pick and drives saw Isaac Turnbull crash over to crush any hopes of a Ripon comeback.

The game was made safe minutes later when a crunching tackle from Josh Brady saw the full-back spill the ball for Bulmer to romp over for his second try.

Ripon managed a deserved consolation try in the last seconds.

Malton & Norton Under-17s have a new team strip sponsored by Dalby Offshore, Windcare Ltd and S B Bulmer Engineering Ltd.