In a stop-start game that typified non-league rugby, a disjointed York beat Beverley 32-0.

As Beverley's first-team pitch was unfit, the match switched to the smaller second-team pitch which did not aid York's pacey wingmen.

A much-changed York team took a while to settle with many promising positions being lost through poor handling born out of a desire to play expansive rugby.

The first points came from the boot of full-back Tom Copeland, who kicked a penalty when Beverley were penalised for handling in a ruck after a good break by centre Sam Arkle. Throughout the match Arkle's pace and power gave Beverley problems.

York were soon six points up from a second penalty by Copeland when second row Brad Macdonald was pulled down in a line-out on Beverley's 22.

York's power in the pack was beginning to tell and a try looked certain when Copeland joined the line but Rob Kama overran the final pass.

Beverley's problems in the pack resulted in them losing a ball against the head on their own 22. Ian Davies, the visitors' number 8, picked up and drove, drawing two men before giving the scoring pass to scrum half James Arkle, who did well to get the ball down before hitting the corner flag. Copeland's conversion was just wide.

Although the half-time score at half-time was 1-0 it did not reflect York's superiority.

The second half started with Beverley having much more of the play.

York's defence withstood the pressure and with their first venture into Beveley's half scored a try. Stuart Davies took a short pass from stand-off Craig Ventress and made good ground.

Beverley thought they had withstood the ensuing pressure when they were awarded a five-yard scrum but, having won the ball, they were tackled over the line and robbed of the ball by Jeremy Clutton to score. Mike Ford who had replaced Copeland at half time added the two points.

Again Beverley came back to put York's line under pressure with Clutton to the fore again, holding up a Beverley forward for what would have been a certain score.

Soon afterFord ran out of defence handing on to Kiwi hooker Jon Sharpe who made good ground before passing to Macdonald who was stopped short of the line.

However, Beverley's relief was short-lived when from the ensuing scrum the ball was switched to give Ventress a deserved try. The Ford conversion took the score to 25-0.

The final try came from Clutton, who crowned an outstanding game with another close quarter try that followed a tap penalty. Ford's conversion took the final score to 32-0.

From the kick off Malt moved into scoring territory for Mansell to record his hat-trick.

The next try was arguably the best of the game. From the restart Duncan Foster fed livewire Steve Piercy who streaked through the Barton side on a 40-metre run before handing on to fellow front row man Carl Rushworth who raced in from 25 metres to touch down without a hand being laid on a Malton player.

Barton were by now completely demoralised and Malton put on an exhibition of skills which were of the highest order.

Tries came at regular intervals with Mansell adding one more to his tally. Others came from David Webster, Chapman, Cowton, Mitchell and Foster. Ian Cooke converted ten of the 13 tries. There was also time at the death for coach Pat Stephenson to come off the bench and put in a short spell at inside centre and provide the scoring pass for Malt's final try.

This young Malton side is maturing by the week and with the half backs of Creber and Jon Newsome at the hub have the potential to become even better.

League consolidation is the main aim but a good cup run will certainly add to the already high team spirit.

Updated: 13:46 Monday, November 11, 2002