INJURY-HIT Malton & Norton put on one of their best displays of term to beat mid-table Huddersfield YMCA 29-13 at The Gannock - and end a five-match losing streak.

The result saw Chris Creber's relegation-threatened men go within four points of safety ahead of the Christmas break in North One East. They resume on January 7 at home Dinnington - the team immediately above them.

Malton spokesman Bill Laidler said: "The back row of Sam Triffitt, Ali Coe and Tom Lowry were outstanding but all 17 who took part can take great satisfaction from their performance."

Malt monopolised territory for the first quarter but failing to keep control of the ball meant they did not score. Huddersfield showed them how to do it in their first real attack.

Taking a lineout five metres out, they set up a drive before being illegally pulled down, the referee awarding a converted penalty try.

However, three minutes later, Malton levelled.

After a quick tap from a penalty for offside, the ball carrier was tackled immediately, resulting in a yellow card.

Malton kept up the pressure and, after taking the ball against the head at a Huddersfield scrum five metres out, the mass moved forward for scrum-half Luke Raduva to score, fly-half Paul Angus converting.

Malton gradually cut out errors. The forwards made inroads with pick-and-drive tactics and the threequarters threatened, with centres Nick Rangiuira and Tom Foan punching holes.

However, Huddersfield scored next with a penalty for a 10-7 half-time lead.

Malt came out firing in the second period and teenage full-back Ben Tenge showed his talent with a good run deep into the visitors' half.

A series of forward drives took them over the line and, although they could not ground the ball, the pack again moved the opposition back from the resultant scrum and Coe fed Raduva to touch down.

Malton, now dominating, conceded a needless penalty at a ruck which gave the visitors a one-point lead.

But they again went on the offensive.

Again they were held up over the whitewash and some indiscipline meant Huddersfield could clear their lines.

But respite was short-lived as Malt again broke out with some strong running from the backs before the pack took over near half-way.

Driving at the heart of the defence with Triffitt, Coe and Liam Vaughan heavily involved, their retention and handling was superb.

When the ball was finally released, good hands saw wing Tom Clark scurry over in the corner to regain the lead.

Five minutes later, Malton made sure of the points with their bonus-point try.

A massive drive from a scrum was stopped illegally and a penalty try awarded, converted by Angus.

Malton could have shut up shop but, with the pack in ruthless mood, they attacked from deep late on to score the best team try of the game, prop Rob Featherstone burrowing over at the end of it all to round off an entertaining afternoon.