MALTON & NORTON RUFC produced one of their best performances of recent times as they knocked Heath out of the Yorkshire Shield with a 10-3 victory.

Torrential rain and blustery winds in Halifax made the game something of a lottery from the outset but the Ryedale pack still controlled possession for much of the opening quarter with some excellent picking and driving and close quarter handling which had the home side reeling on a number of occasions.

But mistakes were bound to be made in the conditions and it wasn't until the 23rd minute that they made their dominance count.

A series of drives took Malton, shorn of several key players for the match, deep into the Heath 22 metre area and one final surge was enough for prop forward Ed Gwilliam to get his hands on the ball and get the all important try, converted by full-back Zweli Sodladla.

Heath were competitive throughout and constantly tried to counteract the Malton pack with some good three-quarter moves of their own. But the visiting defence, on several occasion, showed why they have the best record in Yorkshire One.

Up to the task were young half-backs Nick Daley and Paul Angus, who are developing into a powerful unit as they mature.

The back row cover of Sam Triffitt, Ali Coe and Josh Heggie was also very prominent.

Heath, though, in their first really serious attack of the game, reduced the arrears to 7-3 at half-time when Malton infringed at a ruck and the resulting penalty found its target.

The worsening weather meant that a handling game was almost impossible in the second period.

Both sides, however, stuck to their plans with Malton keeping the ball close and Heath trying to open the game up.

It was the Malton tactic which prevailed but Heath did threaten on a few occasions and only last ditch defence kept them at bay.

With ten minutes left on the clock, Malton stretched the lead when Heath conceded a penalty at a ruck. Sodladla struck the ball firmly between the posts to bring a sigh of relief from the travelling faithful.

Malton club spokesman Bill Laidler said: "Both sides can take pleasure from a game which kept supporters fully occupied throughout despite the horrendous conditions. For Malton, this was a great all round team performance by all 16 players used."

They next travel to neighbours Scarborough in Yorkshire One when most of the wounded should be fit to resume the quest for league success.

Selby also booked their spot in the next stage, with a 14-0 victory at Barnsley.