IT may not have been pretty to watch nor played in good weather, but Malton and Norton's 18-15 win at Leodiensiens saw their band of supporters leave Alwoodley happy on Saturday.

This was a massive game for both sides, who were locked together in the league, and, after a nail-biting finish, it was Malton who moved into joint top spot with Keighley and West Park Bramhope.

The afternoon started badly for Malton who incurred the wrath of the referee and conceded a succession of penalties for off-side and scrummage offences.

Leos' fly-half, skipper Dan Eddie, had his kicking boots on and rattled up a nine-point lead while some good line kicking penned Malton back in their own territory.

Malton needed to tighten up to establish a base from which to work and soon did so. They set up a maul 15 metres from the Leos line and, with the ball safely at the back and with Jon Newsome directing operations, they moved relentlessly towards the line where James McKay touched down.

The second half saw the Malton pack gain the upper hand with Richard Webster and Duncan Foster controlling the lineouts and a settled set scrummage giving good platforms.

There was also a greater sense of urgency and willingness to battle out a result.

Some strong driving runs from the pack made inroads in the Leos defence, which allowed McKay to pick up and set off on one of his strong defence-breaking runs to cross for a try to give Malt a 10-9 lead.

Both sides were fired up and good defence cancelled out any attacking moves from the backs before Malton broke the stand-off.

From a lineout close to the Leos line they drove forward with veteran prop Steve Riddolls at the helm for flanker Andy Mitchell to cap a fine display with the touchdown.

Malton were denied another try after the referee, following a good break from midfield took play to the Leos line, turned to see a fracas taking place near to halfway. A player from each side, not the original instigators, were dismissed, Richard Webster being the Malton player.

Malton had earlier lost centre Will Jones with a knee injury, Liam Cowton replacing him, but Malton proved they have guts as they dug deeply despite the setbacks.

Leos conceded a penalty 30 metres out for handling in a ruck which Will Barber goaled to extend the visitors' lead with 20 minutes left.

Leos fought to get back into it and for the last ten minutes kept the Malton supporters on their toes. They kicked two penalties to bring them within three points but stout defence meant Malton had the spoils.

Updated: 12:40 Monday, November 04, 2002