Malton capitalise on mistakes (From Gazette & Herald)

Malton capitalise on mistakes

Durham/Northumberland One: Malton & Norton 18, Gateshead 8

Despite most other local sport being severely curtailed by the frosty weather, the Gannock was in almost perfect condition for what was seen by many to be the league's two best rugby playing sides to parade their skills. As in the game earlier in the campaign at Gateshead, they did not disappoint.

The opening half hour was a stalemate as both sides tested each other. Both defences held tight but Malton were gaining the upper hand, with Duncan Foster continually stealing Gateshead ball at the lineout or disrupting whatever ball they could salvage.

On the half hour, Malton showed their class with a try to grace any occasion. A forward drive took them to the 22-metre line where the backs took over. Fly half Chris Creber broke the first line of defence before passing on to Ian Cooke, who took a perfect line before returning the pass to his skipper, who then found full back Ben Hough, who crossed for a superb try.

Gateshead soon retaliated with a penalty by scrum half Jonathon Foster for offside. On half time, they struck again when, for some inexplicable reason, Malton spilled the ball from a tackle and Gateshead full back David Kell picked up to race half the length of the pitch to touch down.

Turning round with a deficit, Malton had to right matters early in the second half if they were to take the game. Hough duly obliged with a penalty after five minutes to level the scores.

Both sides were playing the game at an incredible pace and mistakes were frequent on both sides. Malton took full advantage of one Gateshead error when centre Ryan Lonsdale broke from midfield to set up a ruck 30 metres out.

Quick ball transference to Creber had the visitors' defence in disarray as he handed on to second row forward John Dobson, who showed great pace and determination to romp over for a well-deserved try.

The Malton pack were now well in control and the back row were causing havoc in the Gateshead ranks, forcing errors and ensuring that they were on the back foot for much of the time. Sensible tactics from the three-quarters ensured that the visitors were kept on the defensive for almost the entire half.

The final score of the game was just reward for Malton's efforts. A long kick ahead was chased by winger Tom Pateman when many would have given it up. His persistence caught the visitors by surprise as he hacked on to get the touch down he deserved.

At the final whistle, both sides were completely exhausted, such was the pace throughout the game, and the large crowd had been kept warm by some lively rugby from two very capable sides.

The Malton pack, as a unit, can take great satisfaction from this result as it was their efforts which ensured the victory and the three-quarters showed that they can play some sublime rugby but can also play with control when the occasion permits. Flanker David Cooke was named as Man of the Match but the award could have quite easily gone to any of his colleagues.

After the game, coach Richard John said he was pleased they had played Gateshead off the park.

He said: "It was tough but we turned it around. We dominated the game, but gave them a soft try just before half time."

With Chris Creber having recovered from his injury, which occured a couple of weeks ago, the team is back to full fitness as they prepare for the end of the season with four games left to play.

John explained: "If we go and win every game we'll go up. It's coming down to that last game again, like last year.

"Horden are top at the moment. If we win, we should go up. If they will all their games, they'll be two points ahead of us, but we should make it up on points difference.

"Northern will be tricky as well, but as the football saying going, 'We'll take each game as it comes'."

Malton travel to Tyneside next week to take on lowly Ryton. The following week's friendly against Driffield will not now take place as Driffield will be playing a rearranged league fixture.

Updated: 15:45 Wednesday, March 08, 2006