League leaders Malton show no mercy (From Gazette & Herald)

League leaders Malton show no mercy

Durham/Northumberland One: Malton & Norton 62, West Hartlepool TDSOB 0

The festive season came to an abrupt halt at The Gannock as Malton showed no mercy to the league's basement side with an eight-try bonanza. Full back Ben Hough alone accrued a massive 32 points with two tries, two penalties and eight conversions.

Following a four-week break, Malton soon got into their stride as Hough slotted over a penalty in the third minute when West Hartlepool were caught with their hands in a ruck. Shortly afterwards, he repeated the treatment when the visitors were again caught out.

As they settled, Malton began to produce the goods. A passage of three forward drives opened the way. Two quick passes put the ball into the hands of skipper and fly half Chris Creber, who sliced through the defence to cross between the posts. Hough added the conversion to settle his side.

On 25 minutes, Hough was again instrumental in setting up Malton's second try. He quickly took a penalty on the halfway line and, as the visitors looked on, the ball was spread across to field to centre Tim Carney. A burst of pace put him in the clear to touch down for Hough to add the extras.

With forwards Carl Muscroft, John Dobson, Jon Richards and Steve Pease doing the hard graft the supply of ball was guaranteed in the second half.

The first score of the half came courtesy of a Ryan Lonsdale run. On as a second half replacement, he received the ball 30 metres out was given enough space to work up a full head of steam. The first defender bounced off him, the second was brushed aside and the third was left counting his limbs as he scored between the posts. Hough added the conversion and West Hartlepool seemed to lose interest.

The next score came from a lineout. Second row forward Karl Shaw fed Muscroft, who off-loaded to Creber, who found Carney to hand. Another searing break put him in the clear before handing on to Hough, who touched down.

Almost immediately, Malton struck again, when winger Ian Cooke did well to keep the ball alive before feeding Hough, who made good ground before putting Carney away to open up the gap for housemate Shaw to pour through and record his first try for the club.

A second try for Hough, after good work by Carney, meant West Hartlepool were now totally dispirited but Malton showed no mercy. Muscroft made a terrific burst down the centre before passing on to flanker Tom Anderson who made further ground before off loading to Carney, who crowned a great display with his second try.

The gloss was finally applied when Carney again opened up the defence to give Shaw his second and well deserved try. Needless to say Hough converted all of the second half tries to cap a terrific afternoon.

There were a number of outstanding performances, particularly from Carney, Creber, Hough and Shaw but the sponsors' award went to hooker Carl Muscroft, who was always a thorn in the side of the opposition.

The win keeps Malton well and truly in pole position and ensures that the points difference column is very much in their favour.

Updated: 15:58 Wednesday, January 11, 2006