THE teamwork in the Malton & Norton ranks was hailed decisive as they continued their winning form with a 24-0 derby drubbing of Bridlington at The Gannock.

Malton had to make several changes from the side that had won at Bradford & Bingley, all of them in the threequarters.

But, despite having men out of position, they dominated in most areas and deservedly bagged a bonus point try late on to seal the success, number eight Ali Coe with his second touchdown of the day.

Club spokesman Bill Laidler said: "There are no individual stars in this Malton outfit but the teamwork is of the highest order and this is shown in the performances of those who willingly play out of position to help the side.

"In this respect Ali Fothergill deserves special mention. How many other second-rows would be prepared to play part of a game on the wing?

"Young Connor Page is another - moving from wing to centre and making an excellent job of it.

"Charlie Corner and Will Hughes again had very good games and selection will be difficult when the injured regain fitness."

Malton dominated possession early on with some excellent phases of play.

They gained just reward on the quarter-hour when Will Hughes secured possession at a lineout on half way. The ball was spun to the backs where good handling and speed of thought had the visitors in trouble.

Full-back Zweli Sodladla took the ball at pace on the wing and, using team-mates as decoys, sidestepped and dummied to the line for a brilliant individual try.

Because of the greasy conditions and the make-up of both sides, forward dominance was always likely to be vital - and Malton had the edge.

Their ball retention was superb and the second score came when another good lineout set up a rolling maul.

Controlled drives took them to the line, hooker Lewis Welch credited with the touchdown, Sodladla converting.

Bridlington then had a player sin-binned for killing the ball at a ruck. Malton could not capitalise on the extra man but they kept up the onslaught early in the second half and, five minutes in, a good drive by the pack was held up over the whitewash.

The dominant Malton scrum then eased forward from five metres for Coe to drive over in the corner.

Bridlington were then pinned in their own half for long periods and, when they did move upfield, the home defence quickly extinguished danger.

In their quest for the try bonus point, Malton became slightly ragged but the visitors could not take advantage and, when the hosts became camped on the Brid line late on, a series of scrums went their way.

Several drives were stopped short but the defensive line broke and the final push gave Coe the touchdown, Sodladla converting.