A SUPER second-half show suggested a first win of term is around the corner from Malton & Norton.

Their 27-20 North One East defeat at Huddersfield YMCA was their third in the league and fourth in all, but the new-look side could count themselves unlucky not to get anything from the match after storming back from 24-8 down at the break.

Blake Spencer led the scoring with another brace to make it five tries in three games, though it was the forwards who stood out most, even if the team should perhaps have used their paces more as they strove in vain to take the lead in the second stanza.

Showing a number of changes and a couple of new faces, Malton began the game brightly against a side who were relegated from National Three North last season.

However, Huddersfield drew first blood after Malt were penalised at a ruck. From the resultant lineout five metres out, the hosts set up a drive which tied in the defence before sending the ball to the backs to cross and convert.

Malt replied quickly. From a good lineout on half-way, centre Vus Dyantjies made a half break before handing on to flanker Sam Triffitt.

He made ground before releasing full-back Mbembe Payi, who sent flying wing Spencer in at the corner.

The action was fast and furious during these opening 10 minutes, with both sides playing open rugby.

More came on 12 minutes when Huddersfield kicked for position, regained possession and, with the defence at sixes and sevens, cross for their second try.

Malt then went off the boil and, when Huddersfield spread the play wide from a lineout on the right, quick ball resulted in a third home try.

That was the wake-up call Malton needed and a Payi penalty when Huddersfield held onto the ball after a tackle brought them fresh hope.

With half-time approaching, though, those hopes were hit when Huddersfield themselves booted a penalty for a 24-8 lead.

After some advice from coach Chris Creber during the interval, the second half was almost all Malton as they dominated possession and territory, while the forwards, with Ben Boothman, James Thornton and Liam Vaughan to the fore, had Huddersfield in all manner of trouble.

A penalty to the corner produced a good lineout catch by Jamie Rounthwaite. The drive was set up and scrum-half Angus Whitney sent the ball to Spencer, who needed no second invitation to add to his tally.

Despite having a monopoly of the play, it was a further 20 minutes before Malton got another score, the dominance of the pack again producing the goods.

A scrum five metres out was driven forward, with Ali Coe showing control to get the pushover try.

Payi’s conversion brought them to within four points but, while they kept up the pressure, they could not find the all-important score.