MALTON & Norton seconds were 24-19 winners at Morley seconds in the Merit Table Championship League.

Play swung from end to end in the early stages and the deadlock was broken by Morley, who scored a converted try when the Malton backline ran out of defenders.

Malton responded with a series of forward drives, attacking both sides of the breakdown and on 14 minutes Dave Woodhouse crashed over for a try, converted by Harry Owsten.

That was quickly followed by another try by John Lumley as Malton went 12-7 ahead.

Two minutes before the break, Malton scored again despite being reduced to 14 men as a result of a yellow card for Andy Mitchell for an alleged high tackle.

James Lawley fielded a high kick on the halfway line on the left and set off on 60-metre diagonal run. He was pulled down seven metres short of the line, but Malt recycled the ball for Dave Cooke to score.

Despite Malton leading 17-7 at the break, the second period was a different story as they were pegged back in their own 22 for long periods.

Morley gradually hauled themselves back into the lead at 19-17 with two tries, one converted.

Callum Stark, now recovered from injury, showed huge commitment in defence as he and James Machin broke up wave after wave of Morley attacks.

On 69 minutes, Malton made inroads into Morley territory. One series of pick and go drives by the forwards from 30 metres out resulted in John Richards crashing over the line. Mattie Williams coolly added the extras to give Malton a 24-19 lead.

Malton survived a period of intense pressure on their line in the final 15 minutes.

The seconds will host Scarborough at The Gannock on Saturday.