MALTON & Norton ran out worthy victors in their local derby at Pocklington, easing to a 40-14 triumph.

Percy Road has seen many encounters between these two local rivals and they mostly produce a game that sticks in the memory bank.

However, Saturday’s encounter, and particularly the first half, might not live up to that.

More about Malton & Norton's season so far:

Malton received the kick-off and within minutes were inside the Pocklington red zone. An early penalty award within range was disdained and a set scrum was chosen which failed to produce the projected points.

The opening period saw both teams cancel themselves out, with the home side meeting anything thrown at them.

Malton had sufficient ball to create but passes that found touch instead of the intended receiver and other inaccuracies did not advance their cause. The high ball, used to good effect in Malton’s recent games, was notable by its absence.

On 18 minutes, Pocklington earned a penalty which their goal kicker duly converted to open the scoring.

Malton at the same time were forced into an early change with Rob Featherstone replacing Archie Armitage.

Malton’s chance to level the score came in the 30th minute and skipper Sam Triffitt wisely directed Paul Angus to take the points.

Three minutes later, Malton took the lead with another penalty, and with half-time beckoning, looked content to close out the half to regroup and seek the advice of their coach.

But on the stroke of half-time, Pocklington levelled the score to six apiece, bringing a dour first-half to a close.

The second half opened with an unconverted try by Ben Tenge, making his 50th appearance for Malton, on 48 minutes after the visiting pack had driven to the hosts’ line.

Malton’s eight forwards were now starting to show their capabilities, with Matt Bowman’s strength and leg drive leading the way.

Five minutes later, when offered a penalty within range, Triffitt chose pragmatism, directing Angus to slot the points to extend their advantage to two scores.

Pocklington were now starting to wilt under the pressure, with Tom Barker the next to cross for a converted try on the hour mark, the scoreboard showing a 15-point lead for the visitors.

On 65 minutes, Pocklington chose to convert a penalty and take the score to 21-9, which proved to be the signal for Malton to up their game and turn the screw.

Two minutes later, a dominant scrum, with Triffitt controlling at the base, shoved the home side rapidly backwards towards their line, presenting Angus with a simple try.

Now in total control, Featherstone, Bowman, and Will Dunn took play once again to the hosts red zone, with Foan needing no second invite to stride over the whitewash and extend the lead to 35-9.

On 76 minutes, Tenge showed his strength, powering over for five points only to complete Malton’s contribution to the afternoon’s proceedings.

Pocklington however had the last word, second-rower Joji Logavatu crashed over for a consolation try and a final score line of 40-14.

With third place in the league a minimum guarantee, Malton & Norton are back in action at the Gannock on Saturday, with a game in hand on visitors Pontefract.

With only an eight-point gap between the two clubs, the chance to finish second in the table could go to the wire.

Malton & Norton: Ali Fothergill, Ben Tenge, Conor Miller, Tom Foan, Ben Brambles, James Bulmer, Paul Angus, Archie Armitage, Matt Bowman, Nick Salisbury, Will Dunn, Sean Emms, Tom Barker, Tom Lowry and Sam Triffitt (c).