MALTON & Norton skipper Sam Triffitt struggled to come to terms with another narrow defeat after their 22-15 reserve at old foes Bradford & Bingley kept them deep in relegation danger in North One East.

Malt lost 22-15 at Wagon Lane, almost mirroring a 29-27 setback to the same opposition at The Gannock in October.

“It’s always a close game but we never quite get it done, but it is not down to a lack of effort,” said Triffitt.

“It’s just a couple of penalties here and there or a couple of drop goals.

“We have also taken Percy Park and Penrith close without quite getting there.”

With Wheatley Hills and Guisborough doomed, M&N are in a battle to avoid the final relegation place, one of seven club separated by only eight points.

Bradford & Bingley’s director of rugby, Martin Whitcombe, said: “I cannot understand why Malton aren’t in the top half, but I hope they don’t go down as they’re a good team and a proper rugby club.”

Malt had to settle for a losing bonus point after another cracking contest between these two sides.

They fell behind early, losing possession to allow their hosts to make ground. An accurate cross-field kick caught the defence sleeping and the ball bounced into home hands for an easy finish, with the conversion added.

Malton narrowly missed a penalty before the hosts got their second converted try thanks to a driving maul from a lineout following a penalty.

Malton raised the tempo and another strong scrummage produced a penalty, which full-back Xolela Payi this time knocked over.

Malt's pack then followed some good handling with a rolling maul which culminated in hooker Jim Thornton touching down.

And from the restart, Malton produced the best piece of rugby of the game – excellent handling by Sam Triffitt, Payi and Vus Dyantjies having the home defence in tatters, substitute back row George Harrison running home. Tom Foan converted for a one-point half-time lead.

The second period was an arm wrestle, Bradford eking 17-15 up with a penalty.

Then, deep into injury time, Bees sealed victory as some sustained pressure led to a final try.