Malton and Norton moved into the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Rugby Union Shield with a 27-13 defeat of York RI last night despite giving one of their worst displays of the year.

Heavy rain meant Malton's free-flowing game was hindered as mistakes littered proceedings, while RI, of Yorkshire Three, fought desperately to shock the Yorkshire One champions.

RI got the first score with a Ben Hobson penalty but Ian Cooke replied in kind as Malton took control in the forwards.

The hosts went ahead as Duncan Foster broke before handing on to flanker David Cooke, who powered over for his brother to convert.

RI were battling well but had no answer to a strong run from James McKay who crossed wide out to give Malt a 15-5 interval lead.

RI had a bigger say in the second period and kept Malton penned back for long periods. However, there was no stopping home full-back Jason Simpson when he seized on a loose ball and sprinted 70 metres to the corner.

RI hit back with a deserved try when fly-half Robin Grice rounded off a good move, Hobson converting, and a penalty brought them within touching distance, but the hosts stepped up the pace again. Spreading the ball wide, they made good ground for Cooke to chip the defence and win the chase to the touchdown.

A good conversion ensured victory and a last four trip to Keighley on Saturday.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, April 22, 2004