'I've never seen anything like it' - John (From Gazette & Herald)

'I've never seen anything like it' - John

Durham/Northumberland One: Billingham 15, Malton & Norton 13

"It isn't sour grapes, but I've never experienced anything like it," said Malton Richard John after a game which saw his side's previously pristine disciplinary record in tatters.

Malton began with a purpose and vigour to suggest that they would record another win in their promotion quest.

However, after dominating the first 10 minutes, they were repeatedly penalised for often obscure offences which allowed a gutsy Billingham side to relieve the pressure whenever threatened.

On their first visit to the Malton half, Billingham were awarded a penalty 30 metres out and directly in front of the posts.

The first attempt missed its target but the kick was ordered to be retaken as a Malton player was adjudged to have moved during the execution of the penalty. The next attempt sailed between the posts.

Malton were then further disadvantaged when second row forward Duncan Foster was sent to the sin bin for allegedly not allowing the home scrum half to take a quick free kick. From the resultant penalty, Billingham took advantage of their extra man to drive over for an unconverted try.

Malton again applied the pressure and attempted to open the play out with wing Tom Pateman showing some good touches. However, whenever they got into a threatening position, they were penalised and sent back.

Eventually, the pressure did tell and the home fullback was caught in possession and isolated in front of his own posts. With four Malton players trying to secure the ball, the only possible decision was a penalty to Malton which Ian Cooke sent between the posts.

From the restart, Malton were penalised and this time number eight forward Richard Webster was consigned to the sin bin.

The penalty kick to the corner was badly dealt with by the Malton defence, allowing the home wing to steal possession and score between the posts.

With Webster still off the field, Malton began brightly in the second period and again applied pressure. From a lineout in midfield, Billingham were caught offside and Cooke again added the points to bring Malton back into the game.

Try as they did, circumstances were conspiring against them. No sooner had Webster been restored than Malton were again reduced to 14 men. At a lineout on the Billingham line, a slight altercation occurred between Malton prop Jon Richards and a Billingham lock forward and they were both shown red cards.

With 20 minutes remaining, Malton still had hopes of victory. Taking advantage of some slack play in the Billingham defensive ranks, they gave Cooke the opportunity to carve his way through for a try. An excellent conversion put Malton within two points.

Sensing a possible victory, they now turned up the heat. However, yet more penalties denied them. For the statisticians, the penalty count was 37-6 in Billingham's favour. Malton had had the best disciplinary record and had conceded less points than any other side in the league.

John said: "I've never experienced a display like it. We couldn't put phases of play together without being interrupted.

"It isn't sour grapes. The Billingham lads really worked. A lot of credit goes to the players for their discipline.

"We're playing Redcar next week, but my enthusiasm has been knocked. But it's still a game of rugby so we're looking forward to it."

Updated: 15:47 Wednesday, January 18, 2006