A DROP goal deep into stoppage time saw Wheatley Hills snatch victory from the grasp of Malton & Norton RUFC in North One East.

The promoted Ryedale side looked to be heading for back-to-back wins to kick off their campaign, but they were edged out 22-20 by their hosts on Saturday.

Malton had first use of the wind and when Wheatley were harshly penalised for obstruction on their own 22-metre line after five minutes, Teei Piawi had no trouble with the kick.

A minor squabble led to some pushing and shoving in midfield after 15 minutes and, to the amazement of most in the ground, the referee brandished yellow cards to two players from either side.

Midway through the half, Wheatley took the lead when a clever kick through the Malton defence caught the visitors napping and a touch down by the right wing resulted.

The conversion was successful and Wheatley held a lead which they kept until half-time.

The second half started badly for Malton when they were penalised yet again for an offside offence at a ruck and the hosts extended their lead with a penalty. But that lead was short-lived as Malton came back with a vengeance.

After the forwards had set up position in the home half, the ball went to the backs and a strong break from centre Jarad Williams was carried on by the pack, with Liam Vaughan to the fore.

He made good ground before passing to fellow prop Tom Francis, who powered over from close range for Piawi to convert and level the scores.

From the restart, Malton were straight back into action and again drove deep into Wheatley territory. Vaughan again made the running and again gave frontrow partner Francis the chance to power across the line under the posts for his second try.

Piawi’s conversion earned Malt a sevenpoint advantage.

In a period of 20 minutes, Malton allowed Hills three shots at goal with the wind at their backs and three successful penalties gave Wheatley a two-point advantage.

However, when the home side entered a maul from the side, Piawi added another three points despite being faced with a kick wide out and into the gale.

With five minutes left the game was evenly poised with Malton leading 20-19.

Entering the sixth minute of injury time, Wheatley got the ball back for a centre to strike a scrappy drop kick which struck a post and bounced the right side to produce the winning score of an enthralling game.

Malton face Durham City at The Gannock on Saturday and if they can maintain this form and commitment should make their mark in this higher level of rugby.

Malton: I Cooke, T Newitt, J Williams, J Ajimati, T Piawi, T Collard, D Cattle, L Vaughan, J Lund, T Francis (P Dobson 55mins), J Rounthwaite (D Foster 40mins), R Webster, A Mitchell, G Ramsay (C Richardson), M Bradshaw.