Home-grown talent to the fore as Malton go second (From Gazette & Herald)

Home-grown talent to the fore as Malton go second

Yorkshire One - Malton and Norton 26 pts - Yarnbury 3 pts, Malton and Norton went second after this victory maintained their unbeaten start to the season in the league.

With more luck, the margin of victory could have been greater as several chances went begging as the first cold spell of the season had its effect players' handling. Yarnbury also had chances, being held up over the line on two occasions, but it was Malton who always looked the likely winners.

After 15 minutes of early sparring, Chris Creber and Ryan Lonsdale worked a perfectly-executed scissor movement from a set scrum for Lonsdale to carve open the visitors' defence and storm over for his first try. Ian Cooke added the conversion.

Yarnbury threatened in brief spells before the break but the Malton defence was rock-like. The home side almost added to their score when Tim Chapman pounced on a dropped Yarnbury pass and quickly fed Liam Cowton, who rapidly gained ground, but saw his final pass knocked on with the line beckoning.

The visitors retaliated when Malton were penalised for handling in a ruck and visiting fly-half Steve Galbraith slotted home the kick to get his side onto the scoreboard. Yarnbury were unlucky not to take the lead just before the interval when they crossed the line but were prevented from getting the touchdown by the covering defenders.

Turning round with a five-point advantage, Malton needed a wake up call - and they got one. Andy Mitchell stormed out of defence and fed prop forward Tony Reynolds, whose barnstorming run created the room for Creber to bring fullback Rob Tate into the action. From 20 metres out, Tate weaved his way past several players to score a well-deserved first try in senior rugby. Cooke's conversion meant Yarnbury needed two scores to overhaul Malt.

Another good break from Reynolds set up a ruck deep in attacking country. The ball was passed swiftly along the threequarters for Lonsdale to cross for his second try. Cooke again added the extras.

Once more, Yarnbury fought back and were again prevented from getting a touchdown when over the line. Malton stole the ball at the resultant scrum and cleared their lines before again setting up a position to attack. The ball was passed wide and a delightful dummy by Chapman created the gap he needed to show that pace does not necessarily diminish with age as he scooted over for his opening try of the season.

In the dying minutes Malt were unlucky not to add to their tally twice. Ian Cooke just failed to get a touchdown after a long kick and chase and then Creber lobbed a beautifully-judged free kick to the corner, which James McKay just failed to keep control of at full speed just feet from the line. However, the victory was safe and the points in the bag.

Malton are raising a few eyebrows as they continue their rise. One of the most pleasing things is that ten of the starting 15 for this game have progressed through the club's own junior sides. And there are more in the pipeline, which must bode well for the future.

Updated: 11:53 Wednesday, October 08, 2003