BATTLE-HARDENED Malton & Norton RUFC go into their make-or-break promotion play-off against Morpeth on Saturday having had “just the test they needed”.

The Gannock outfit travel north with confidence to meet the runners-up in Durham & Northumberland One - for a place in North One East - after matching runaway Yorkshire One leaders Doncaster Phoenix for an hour.

Despite going down 39-13, club chiefs felt the scoreline, against a South Yorkshire outfit which won every single one of their 26 league games, didn’t reflect the game.

And with neither side backing off, it was the physical workout the Ryedale side required as they prepare to put it all on the line at the weekend.

“We showed true grit and determination which should stand them in good stead for the trip to Morpeth on Saturday,” said club spokesman Bill Laidler.

“Competition for places will be tough and coach Chris Creber has some difficult decisions to make in the coming week.”

For the first 15 minutes Doncaster had the lion’s share of possession and territory, but some robust defence from Malton kept them at bay and allowed a re-shaped side to settle.

When Malton did break out they took full advantage. Winning their own ball at a line-out close to the Doncaster line they set up a series of rucks in centre-field before switching back to the blind-side for centre Siya Moabi to give a scoring pass to full-back Sizwe Zondo, who crossed in the corner.

Ian Cooke added the extras with a fine kick from the touchline.

The visitors soon retaliated and, when Malton overstepped the offside line, the penalty was a formality.

Undeterred, Malton produced a great ten minutes as they battled for the next score.

Time after time the pack drove into the visitors and made ground each time. The three-quarters, with Cooke running the show from fly-half, caused problems.

Frustrated at being unable to get their hands on the ball, Doncaster conceded a number of penalties and, finally, a yellow card for persistent offending.

Cooke added the points.

But Doncaster could never be underestimated and, as the clock ticked towards half-way, they struck back. A missed tackle in centre-field opened the door for a good break by fly-half Dan Storey.

He slipped through to score under the posts and it was 10-10 at the break.

Doncaster started the second period on top and were soon in front with a penalty when Malton were penalised for not rolling away after a tackle.

Further pressure was applied by Doncaster and they were kept out for a long period with some good defensive work by Malton. But there was little they could do when Phoenix mounted a well controlled maul and crossed to extend their lead to 10 points.

Cooke narrowed the gap through a penalty and Malton again produced a good 10 minutes.

They were unable to make further inroads, though, and, with the play-off in mind, rang the changes at regular intervals. Doncaster went on to score two further tries.

Laidler added: “It was a hard game and the best we could have had before we go into a game like Morpeth.

“It was just what we needed. Saturday will be hard and close and there is a big home advantage up there. But Morpeth won’t have played a game as intense as we did against Doncaster. They may not have had a game like that during their whole season.

“It gives you a bit of confidence and we hope to have back Tom Newitt and, possibly, Sam Triffitt.

“Nick Daley may also be ready.

“It would mean a lot to get back into North One East.”