Malton'S winning streak came to an end in a fast and furious encounter at English rugby's furthest outpost with Alnwick taking the spoils 30-7.

In the opening minutes Malton should have taken a six point lead but Ian Cooke was having an off day and two relatively simple penalty chances were missed.

Alnwick, on the other hand, had the reliable Alan Moses at full back and needed no second invitation, a drop goal and penalty soon putting his side in front.

Malton were competing well and enjoying territorial advantage for much of the time but could find no way of unlocking a solid and well organised home defence.

Alnwick's first try came when a loose pass went astray in the Malton 22 metre area which was pounced upon by an Alnwick flanker to touch down.

Worse followed when the Malton pack were shoved back over their own line for a further try. Both were converted by Moses who added another penalty to give Alnwick a half time lead of twenty three points.

Malton set about repairing the damage in the second half with some excellent drives and ferocious forward play but still there was no way through the home defences.

Malton skipper Chris Creber did eventually find the key when space was created for him to slice through and score under the posts for Cooke to convert.

But Alnwick were then awarded a penalty try when the player following a clever chip over the Malton defence was adjudged to have been pulled back unfairly.

The gap between the two sides only marginal and, on this peformance, both Malton and Alnwick will have a big say in the final honours.

Updated: 09:10 Tuesday, October 12, 2004