MALTON & Norton finished the North One East season in a respectable eighth place as they rounded off their season with a 16-13 defeat at Bridlington.

Malt could have sneaked ahead of their hosts into seventh with a big win but in reality there was little at stake other than local pride and it was not to be.

M&N spokesman Bill Laidler nevertheless praised the effort on show.

He said: "With both sides in comfortable mid-table positions and with neither side at full strength, they could have been excused for not being too committed to the cause.

"Instead we were treated to an open game of rugby with plenty of skill on display from both sides."

Malton opened the brighter of the two sides and monopolised possession and territory for the first few exchanges.

After five minutes, a series of good pick and drives from the pack had the hosts in trouble and, when the ball was given to the backs, centre Nick Rangiuira drew the defence before throwing a long pass out to wing Ali Fothergill.

From inside 20 metres, Fothergill has often proved unstoppable and this was the case again as he crossed for the opening try.

Bridlington were always a threat with ball in hand and they went ahead with two penalties, firstly when Malton were penalised for not releasing the tackled player and then when they were caught offside at a ruck.

Brid were now monopolising possession but the Malton defence was solid and, when the hosts were penalised, Zweli Sodladla put Malton back ahead at 8-6.

Brid, though, retook the lead five minutes before half-time after a lineout five metres out from the Malton line was cleanly caught.

Malt expected a forward drive but were caught flat-footed when the ball was given to a flanker who arrived at speed to cross unscathed for his side's first try and make it 11-8.

Brid increased the gap straight after the second half got underway.

A speculative kick ahead appeared harmless until a mix-up in the Malton defence gifted a chance to the home right-wing, who sneaked in and touched down in the corner for a 16-8 lead.

Unforced errors were proving to be Malton's downfall but there was no mistake with their reply just before the hour mark.

Running from defence, Malton showed great handling skills and set up a number of well-controlled drives in the home 22. Eventually prop forward Rob Featherstone got his hands on the ball and was credited with the touchdown to bring Malton to within three points of their hosts.

However, each time they looked like making further progress, they were thwarted by the sound of the whistle and Brid ran out deserved winners.