Malton's maestros keep marching on (From Gazette & Herald)

Malton's maestros keep marching on

Malton & Norton 43 pts, Barnsley 10 pts

MALTON eased into the third round of the Yorkshire Shield with a comfortable victory in near perfect conditions. With the prospect of next week's National Tetley Vase Quarter Final perhaps in the players' minds, Malton seemed to take things easy in the first half and had difficulty in stamping their authority on the game.

The opening score came from Malton when Tim Chapman got the first of his hat-trick with a try under the posts. Andy Newsome converted and it looked like Malton would take control.

Instead, it was Barnsley who took the initiative to score a try of their own through forward Adam Wilkinson. Fly-half Mark Smith converted to put the visitors back in the game.

Malton, realising they had a game on their hands, raised their game and put together some excellent movements in the three-quarters. Their wings looked threatening and some good passing, instigated by Ian Cooke, gave Ian Mansell the chance to display his blistering for his side's second try.

Barnsley narrowed the gap with a penalty award, but Malton took control in the second half. Jim Fisher, David Cooke and Carl Rushworth made defence-splitting runs into the visitors pack. Skipper Chris Creber marshalled his line well and with Chapman in top form, Barnsley had no answer to the Malton onslaught.

In a moment of concern, centre Arthur Wilson left the field on a stretcher. Thankfully, the injury was not too serious and he should be fit for next Saturday.

His absence gave an opportunity to David Webster to stake his claim, and he took his chance with both hands, showing some delightful skills in scoring one try and setting up Chapman for another.

Further tries were scored by Chapman - to complete his hat-trick - Neil Gilbertson, and Creber. Newsome converted four kicks in total.

The game was ended early by premiership referee, Doug Chapman, at the request of the Barnsley skipper, to save his side further embarrassment. Malton skipper Creber, with next week in mind, sensibly agreed.

And so Malton roll on with the chance of success on three fronts - promotion, the Tetley Vase and the Yorkshire Shield.

Fixture congestion is becoming a problem and needs addressing if the season is to be completed on time.

Updated: 17:00 Friday, February 23, 2001