Easy Shield victory (From Gazette & Herald)

Easy Shield victory

Malton & Norton 49, Wath-on-Dearne 14 pts

KEY Malton and Norton players were rested to give others a chance in the re-arranged Yorkshire Shield first-round tie at Wath.

Malton opened brightly and went into a six-point lead from two Liam Harvey penalties. They then seemed content to sit on their early lead.

Consequently, during Wath's first real attack they were gifted a try. The fly-half was allowed through the defence to score a good solo effort. The conversion gave Wath the half time lead by one point.

Malton and Norton applied constant pressure after the break, but just as a score seemed certain, a loose pass was intercepted inside the Wath 22 by a home-side centre who sprinted the full length of the pitch to score.

Again the conversion was successful and Malton had a mountain to climb - but climb it they did in brilliant style.

The pack began to dominate, with Chris Creber back, marshalling his threes. A solo run from David Webster was only halted by a last-ditch tackle.

The tries soon flowed. Centre Arthur Wilson crowned a solid display with two tries. Webster, Creber and forwards Steve Riddolls, Jim Fisher and, after a good run, David Cooke, also crossed the line.

Scrum-half Liam Harvey added two penalties and four conversions. Carl Rushworth was again outstanding and Ian Cooke was unfortunate not to score with some deceptive running.

After a game which illustrated their strength in depth, Malton now face fellow-leaders Heath at home next Saturday full of confidence.

Updated: 14:05 Thursday, February 08, 2001