Any doubts about Malton and Norton's ability to cope with the heights of Yorkshire One were soon dispelled with a convincing 21-13 win against an Old Brodlieans side who just missed out on promotion stakes.

Malton started in blistering fashion and after a flowing move flanker Andy Mitchell powered his way over for a fine forward's try. Ian Cooke converted.

Brods tried to match their visitors' expansive play and struck back with a brace of penalties.

But the fighting spirit of captain Chris Creber's men shone through. Creber broke through the shackles and darted over for a try, again converted by Cooke for a half-time lead.

The second period was almost a carbon-copy of the first.

Malton were far quicker to the loose ball and were playing with a hunger which set the home side back on their heels.

Despite being against the slope Malt were by now playing almost entirely in the home half of the field and a further bout of superb handling in the pack gave prop Tony Reynolds the opportunity to power over for another good score goaled by Cooke.

An injury to Creber saw a slight readjustment in the Malton ranks with debutant full-back Rob Tate moving to fly half and Matt Miers, normally a scrum half, going to fullback.

Miers could well have opened his account when he carved through the home defence only to lose the ball before touching down. In the dying minutes Brods gained some consolation when a forward drive was allowed to progress to the Malton line for a consolation try.

All 18 Malton players who featured can be justly proud of their efforts.

Updated: 11:33 Monday, September 08, 2003