MALTON & Norton were unable to gain quick revenge on Driffield as they lost 22-18 to fall out of the Yorkshire Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Driffield had won the North One East fixture between the sides seven days ago and, with both teams fielding much-changed line-ups, they held sway again in an entertaining game, Malt unable to find a winner amid late pressure.

The visitors had begun the match brightly, keeping possession well and making inroads into the Driffield defence with some tremendous forward drives and controlled handling.

They were rewarded on six minutes when sustained pressure produced the game's opening try for number eight Ali Coe, who touched down in the corner.

Malton kept up the early pressure with both the forwards and backs causing problems for the home defence. When Driffield were caught offside at a ruck 40 metres out, Malton full-back Zweli Sodladla stepped up and sent the ball cleanly between the posts to make it 8-0.

It was then Driffield's turn to show their teeth and apply pressure.

Malton's defence held out well for a long period but was finally beaten when Driffield spread the ball wide and crossed in the corner.

Play then swung back Malton's way and on the half-hour they struck again.

From a set scrum on half-way, Sodladla entered the line and made a defence-splitting break on the left to feed Ali Fothergill who romped over to extend the lead to 13-5.

Malton went into the break looking for more in the second half.

However, Driffield were also looking for more and they reduced the arrears inside the first minute when a needless loose pass in centre-field was intercepted, a breakaway try and conversion bringing the hosts to within one point.

Driffield were showing more endeavour than in the first half and exerted tremendous pressure on the visitors. Good defence, especially from youngsters Charlie Corner and Will Hughes, kept them out but, after a series of scrums on the Malton line, the home team eventually spread the ball wide for a try in the corner to take the lead.

Malton had lost the composure they had shown in the first half and were guilty on more than one occasion of over-elaboration and handing possession back to the hosts as a result.

Driffield took full advantage midway through the half when a pick-up and drive from a five-metre scrum extended the lead to 22-13.

On the half-hour Malton regained some of their previous fight and, when Driffield lost possession in midfield, Sodladla took control.

Seeing the home defence was absent, he cleverly kicked ahead and followed up to regather and cross for a well-earned try.

The conversion was missed, though, leaving Malton needing another try with 10 minutes to go. They battered away at the home defence but could not find a way through.