Malton and Norton did not give a vintage performance in beating visitors Goole 15-13, but they are in pole position in Yorkshire 1, taking over top spot from Pontefract, who lost for the first time this season.

Goole's heavier pack had the Malton eight in all sorts of difficulties early on.

A penalty to Goole, for a Malton infringement at a ruck, after only four minutes was stroked between the posts by fly-half James Ruhmann.

Malton were on the back foot for much of the opening period, unable to get any useable ball from rucks and mauls and suffering in the tight.

A missed tackle in midfield, the only one of the game, gave Goole centre James Dougherty a free run to the line for his side's first try.

Quietly and efficiently Malton fought their way back. Taking their first opportunity to spread the ball wide Neil Cowton, one of the side's unsung heroes, was at the end of the movement to cross for a well created try to narrow the gap.

Malton could do nothing to prevent a Goole forward drive resulting in a try for No.8 Phil Jackson.

The home team were quick to respond. A lovely weighted kick into the corner by Creber was well spotted by Cowton, who doubled his tally with another try to bring his side within three points at the interval.

With heavens opening and the temperature plummeting the second half was a scrappy affair.

The ball was constantly turned over in the tackle and handling errors were frequent.

When Goole threatened, Malton's defence was watertight, with David Cooke, Andy Mitchell, Ryan Lonsdale and Creber being the mainstays.

Goole began to run out of steam and Malton's fitness started to tell. Swarming around like bees the home pack were much quicker to the breakdown.

The visitors were reduced to ten man rugby, with Ruhman constantly kicking deep into Malton territory.

Ian Cooke, with some great handling, constantly returned the play to the Goole half with either an astute kick or some good running.

The home threequarters were now in top gear and the forwards winning much more loose ball.

A break in midfield by Creber was carried on by Will Barber, who returned the pass to Creber to cross for his side's third try and to take the lead.

Goole tried desperately to get back into the match, but a Ruhman drop goal attempt followed by an easily kickable penalty were both wide of the mark.

Updated: 10:03 Monday, October 27, 2003