ADAPTABLE Malton and Norton showed true grit at the Stocksbridge ground, which occupies probably the most inhospitable position in Yorkshire.

Sat on top of the Pennines with a force nine gale blowing from one end to the other is hardly the best conditions for rugby. However, after an early scare, Malton prevailed 39-22 to progress comfortably into the third round of the Yorkshire Shield.

Facing the gale in the first half Malton adopted the sensible tactic of keeping the ball in hand and driving at the opposition. Stocksbridge relied on kicking to the corner and using the conditions to their benefit.

With Liam Vaughan and Tony Reynolds to the fore, Malton were still able to monopolise possession and opened the scoring after 15 minutes when good ruck ball was given to fly half Chris Creber whose half break put Will Barber clear for the opening try. Ian Cooke, who notched up a personal total of 24 points, converted.

Malton then took their foot off the gas and allowed the hosts to counter with two long-range penalties before James McKay restored the lead with a try following a strong burst to the line.

Stocksbridge, although lacking the individual skills of their visitors, were not short in spirit and fought back to score a good try of their own after some poor defence in the Malton ranks for a 14-12 lead at the break.

After the break, Malton, with the gale at their backs, began to turn the screw.

David Webster was the architect of the first score with a good break before drawing his marker and passing to Cooke who then beautifully side stepped his way through to cross for a try, which he converted himself.

Jon Newsome replaced Matt Miers at scrum-half after ten minutes of the half and, with a clever chip over the defence, gave Cooke the opportunity to beat his man in a chase to the line for his second converted try.

Two Cooke penalties further extended the lead before Stocksbridge struck back with a penalty of their own.

Ryan Lonsdale then entered the fray for Malton after a lay-off with injury and quickly made his mark with a powerful burst to get his name on the scoresheet. Cooke again tagged on the extras.

Stocksbridge drove Malton over for a good forwards' try. However, the tie was won enabling Malton to return to league action in good heart against Old Crossleyans at The Gannock next week.

Updated: 11:05 Monday, December 15, 2003