MALTON & Norton climbed out of the drop zone in North One East thanks to a battling 26-24 victory over Dinnington - but they were given a fright.

Malton, with a few key men now back from injury but still missing the likes of prop Ben Boothman and flier Mbembe Payi, led 26-12 midway through the second half, before the visitors fought back to almost snatch victory.

The five-point result - helped by two tries from young gun Ben Tenge - moved M&N above local rivals Driffield on points-difference ahead of their meeting next weekend, and to within one point of Dinnington.

M&N spokesman Bill Laidler said: "This was another spirited display with notable performances, particularly in defence, from the midfield of Vus Dyantjies, Nick Rangiuira and Tom Foan. All 17 who took part can be proud of their efforts."

Malton had the early ascendency with the forwards imposing themselves.

That graft came to fruition after eight minutes when, after a further series of drives, the ball was released to the backs. With the defenders looking wide, Malton's stand-in fly-half, Dyantjies, switched play back inside to second-row Ali Fothergill, who charged through, scrum-half Paul Angus converting.

Dinnington retaliated almost immediately. Reaching the Malton 22, they regained possession and spread the ball wide for a try in the corner.

Then came one of the best pieces of rugby of the game, with Malton scoring from deep.

Initially the pack took the ball forward with some driving mauls before opening out, excellent handling from number eight Ali Coe and hooker Jim Thornton - who scooped one pass off his toes while travelling at full speed - getting them almost to the line.

The resultant maul got them over the whitewash and, although they were held up, from the scrum, Angus danced past the last line of defence.

That try set minds at rest and midway through the half Malt struck again.

A grubber kick from Rangiuira was collected by fellow centre Foan who fed full-back Tenge.

Since his days in junior rugby, Tenge has always displayed good talents and this time he showed his mettle at senior level. Bursting through the first two tackles he embarked on a strong 40-metre run to the posts.

Angus converted to make it 19-5.

Dinnington soon retaliated. A penalty to the corner gave them chance to show their lineout catch and drive speciality. Initially Malton held the drive but once it got moving the try was inevitable, and the extras made it 19-12 at the break.

Malton again set the pace on the resumption. The makeshift back division showed more good touches and, when they broke away, good work from Foan and Rangiuira got the ball to Tenge, who again raced away for his second try from 40 metres.

The conversion made it 26-12 and Malton should have sealed the game.

However, Dinnington's never-say-die attitude and Malton's tiredness ensured the last quarter was far from straightforward.

The visitors reduced the arrears when crossing in the corner and, as they threw everything at Malt, they struck again with ten minutes left.

Having drawn the defence to one side, a kick to the other found the right wing in acres of space to cross unopposed. The conversion cut Malt's lead to 26-24, but the hosts held on in a nailbiting last five minutes.