MALTON & Norton fell to a late sucker punch in the Yorkshire Cup first round as they lost 34-28 in a cracker at North One East rivals Driffield.

Both sides were missing a few players because of cricket, harvest and holidays but those who came in gave their all in a fast and furious season opener - Malton coming from behind to take the lead five minutes from time, only for the hosts to steal the tie back.

Malton, promoted to North One East last term, handed debuts to a number of their successful Colts side and they showed they will be knocking at the door in the weeks to come, ahead of the first league fixture, away to Pocklington on Saturday.

Spokesman Bill Laidler said: "It was a good first competitive run-out and Malton can take heart from the fact a few senior players have yet to return and that those coming through the system are showing great promise and will ensure a deeper pool of resources."

Driffield went ahead in the second minute as a poor clearance kick from Malton failed to find touch before inexperience in their threequarters defence provided a gap for a converted try.

Malton gradually came into it, the pack on top in the set-pieces - constantly moving the Driffield eight backwards, and, after a few early worries, getting their lineout into better order.

However, a period of frantic but scrappy play ended when the hosts took advantage of weak defence to cross again, before a penalty kicked to the corner led to another converted try and 19-0 lead.

Malton hit back after stealing Driffield ball at a scrum, fly-half Ian Cooke breaking through and sending in flanker Sam Triffitt, Cooke converting.

Changes were made by both sides at the break and Malton soon reduced the deficit further as a Cooke penalty rebounded off an upright, with Liam Vaughan - returning to senior action after three seasons out because of injury - following up to rampage over, Cooke converting.

The hosts again exposed weak defence to extend their lead but keeping the ball in the pack was proving successful for Malt and, as Driffield collapsed three scrums close to their line, the visitors were finally awarded a penalty try.

Driffield added a penalty but, from another steal at a scrum, a good break from Callum Stark set the platform for Malt to take the lead late on, number eight Ali Coe credited with the touchdown amid a maul, Cooke converting.

However, two minutes later Driffield again exposed the defence to win the game.

Pocklington, meanwhile, were handed a walkover by scheduled visitors Wheatley Hills and will hosts Driffield in round two in October.

York were also handed a walkover by hosts West Park Leeds in the first round of the Yorkshire Shield. They go to Barnsley in round two in October while Selby, after a bye in round one, host Ripon.