Magnificent Malton cruise into last eight (From Gazette & Herald)

Magnificent Malton cruise into last eight

Malton & Norton 20 Wellingborough 0

TWICKENHAM is now only two games away for Malton after they successfully saw off a spirited challenge from Wellingborough to enter the quarter-final stage of the Tetley Bitter Vase.

Despite having almost total territorial advantage for much of the first half, Malton could not find a way through the visitors resolute defence until the closing stages when a typical Carl Rushworth run resulted in a scrum close to the Wellingborough line. Back-row forward Richard Webster fed scrum-half Andy Newsome, whose pass allowed Neil Gilbertson to score in the corner.

This was no more than Malton deserved after some good controlled rugby had taken its toll on the visitors' resources, including the sin-binning of a flank forward for persistently infringing at tackle situations.

In the second period Malton continued where they had left off. The lead was soon extended when Malton were awarded a penalty for an offside offence and Newsome added the points.

With the Wellingborough pack now suitably softened up, it was time for the Malton backs to show their mettle. However, those plans had to be put on the back burner for a period as Malton were temporarily reduced to 13 men with both Dave Knaggs, who was having a great game in the back row, and centre Arthur Wilson sent to the sin-bin within two minutes of each other.

During this time, Malton showed their team spirit and piled on the pressure. On the few occasions that danger threatened, the boot of Nick Tyson came to the rescue with some prodigious line-kicking.

Once back to full strength, Malton were able to turn the screw. A break by Tyson was carried on by Tim Chapman who then put Ian Mansell away on the left wing to touch down in the corner.

The large crowd were now urging Malton forward at every opportunity and their side did not let them down. Attack after attack was mounted on the Wellingborough line but again the visitors defended well to keep Malton at bay.

It was inevitable, however, that a gap would eventually appear, and when it did Tyson didn't need asking twice, storming over under the posts for Malton's third try. Newsome converted and the Malton applause was deafening.

Once again Malton rose to the occasion on the big day. There were great performances from Dave Knaggs and David Cooke, whose tackling at times was awesome, but each member of the squad can take huge credit for a fantastic effort.

Malton await the draw for the quarter-final with renewed optimism and now, as the sole Northern representatives in the competition, have reason to fear nobody.

Updated: 11:06 Friday, February 02, 2001