Malton & Norton RUFC reign supreme in rain-lashed cup opener (From York Press)

Malton & Norton RUFC reign supreme in rain-lashed cup opener

10:10am Monday 27th August 2012 in Rugby Union

Malton & Norton RUFC kicked off their campaign with a 17-5 home win over Old Crossleyans in round one of the Yorkshire Cup.

The Ryedale side’s reward for their win at a rain-lashed Gannock is a round two clash with either Wharfedale or Otley.

A deluge delayed the kick off for ten minutes but Malton, who included several of last season’s successful seconds, settled quickly. A good drive involving most of the pack had the visitors reeling and flanker Sam Triffitt seized the opportunity to break free ten metres out and force his way over in the corner.

Ali Heard added a magnificent conversion from the touchline. There was no further score before half-time but Malton controlled the majority of the game.

Old Crossleyans had more of the play in the second period, but the hosts were well served by man of the match Jamie Rounthwaite, hooker Alex Whittaker and number eight John Dobson.

Midway through the half Rounthwaite burst out of his own half and Whittaker forced his way over. Heard again converted.

From the restart, Malt added to the tally. A burst from Dobson took play deep into the visitors’ half and Heard kicked a penalty. Crossleyans then got a consolation try.

There will be no repeat run to the Yorkshire Shield final for Selby after they fell 16-9 at Scarborough in round one.

The Swans, beaten by Bridlington in last season’s final, led 9-0 at the break thanks to a drop goal and two penalties from fly-half Josh Cruise.

Immediately after half-time Selby gave the ball away and Scarborough full-back Tom Harrison scored and Tom Radcliffe converted.

The hosts went in front with a Radcliffe penalty on 62 minutes and the same player then added two further penalties.