Malton and Norton Rugby Union Club are now only one step away from playing at Twickenham after their 52-3 triumph in their Tetley's Bitter Vase quarter-final away to Old Newtonians on Saturday.

The travelling masses from Malton, who outnumbered their hosts by almost three to one, were rewarded for their journey to Leicester with a scintillating display from their side.

With the weather being kind for once and on a near perfect surface Malton were able to display their skills to full effect against a lively Old Newtonians side who, until this setback, were unbeaten this season.

After some initial sparring Malton opened the scoring when fly-half Chris Creber broke in midfield before setting up centre Nick Tyson to carry on the break and hand on to Tim Chapman to touch down. Andy Newsome added the conversion and the Malton roar was deafening.

The score set the tone for the remainder of the game, with Malton's forwards providing sufficient ball for the backs to stamp their authority on the game.

Creber and Tyson seemed to cause panic in the home side's defences whenever they were in possession and the second score came when a short pass from Creber gave Tyson Malton's second try. Again Newsome converted and the nerves disappeared.

Old Newtonians hit back with a penalty from fly-half John Catcheside following an offside offence by Malt.

With the home pack visibly wilting Malton took full control in the second period.

Creber was having possibly his best game since arriving at the club and those around him responded to his promptings.

On the odd occasion that Old Newtonians did threaten, the ferocious tackling of David Cooke and Richard Webster knocked them back in their tracks if they ran the ball.

Full-back Ian Cooke and Newsome fielded any kicks with confidence and turned defence into attack.

Tries came thick and fast and the pace of winger Ian Mansell bagged him two tries before the forwards, who had toiled hard all game, took brief control to force Steve Hayhurst over the line for another try.

Normal service was then resumed and further tries came from Chapman, Neil Gilbertson and prop forward Carl Rushworth, who turned up on the right wing to get a well deserved try as reward for a hard afternoon's graft.

Newsome added six conversions in total for Malton to run up their highest total of the season.

The draw for the semi-finals will be eargerly awaited and Malton have the confidence and ability to reach the final.

Updated: 13:28 Monday, February 26, 2001