MALTON & Norton may have lost their Yorkshire One opener but the manner of the narrow 15-11 defeat to pre-season title favourites Doncaster Phoenix boosted hope of a good campaign to come following last term’s relegation.

The new-look Malton side, with a little more fortune, could have snatched the win. They will now be looking for that victory when they entertain another promoted team, Hullensians, at The Gannock on Saturday.

Said spokesman Bill Laidler: “The team showed they are much improved from last season and, with one or two farmers still to return, they can improve their squad depth further. “Doncaster are a well-organised and physical side who will do well once they have gelled as a side.”

As expected, Phoenix came out with all guns blazing. Malton defended with relish and the early onslaught was held in check until, on seven minutes, Doncaster were awarded a scrum under the posts.

Their initial surge ensured the Malt back row were on the back foot when the ball was released for the inside centre to crash over for a converted try.

Malton, though, took the game to Doncaster with good forward drives and slick back play. Foremost were hooker Jim Thornton, flanker Ali Coe and half-backs Charlie Birkett and Nick Daley. The reward came midway through the half. A long kick by Doncaster was fielded by Malton wing Zwelli Sodladla close to his own line. He returned it from whence it came but was cynically taken out with a late tackle. From 30 yards out, Ian Cooke kicked the penalty.

The sides were evenly matched, both enjoying periods of supremacy. The Doncaster catch-and-drive lineout was a threat but the rampaging Malton pack covered acres of ground and provided good ball for the threequarters. The half ended with Malton pressing and the second period began in the same vein, with the visitors’ first move of note nearly producing a try. Good handling got the ball to centre Vusi Dyantjies, whose strong burst along the touchline was carried on by the pack, driving strongly over the whitewash only to be held up.

They did narrow the gap after 12 minutes when Doncaster infringed at a ruck and Cooke kicked three points. The game, though, swung from end to end and Doncaster kicked a penalty when Malton infringed in their own 22. The hosts struck a further blow on the hour, justifying their decision to kick a penalty to the corner rather than go for a three-pointer. They secured the lineout and drove over.

Malton responded with another period of pressure. Good harassing in centre-field by Dyantjies caused a fumble which David Cooke, on as a replacement, hacked forward. Again Doncaster mishandled and, from the resultant scrum, Malton attacked again. Strong running from sub centre Ali Fothergill was carried on by David Cooke and Daley, and the rampaging Sean Emms took an inside pass to crash over.

However, a decisive further score would not materialise.

Malton: I Cooke, C Stark, Z Sodladla, R Armitage, V Dyantjies, N Daley, C Birkett, R Featherstone, J Thornton, N Salisbury, S Emms, J Rounthwaite, T Lowry, A Coe, S Triffitt. Subs (used): A Fothergill, D Cooke.