Malton and Norton got off to the best possible start in their first game in North 2 with an 8-0 win over Sandal.

Extra interest was added before the game when the spectators were invited to bid for the player they thought most likely to score the first try - a fund-raiser which generated £500.

Malton gave debuts to Paul Dobson at prop and Rob Chidley in the centre and both went on to make valuable contributions.

For much of the first half Malton were camped in the Sandal half but could not find a way through a solid defence. The home forwards were excelling in both tight, where they constantly drove the visitors back, and in the loose where they were much quicker to the breakdown. However, despite coming close on a couple of occasions, the only reward before the interval was a retaken Ian Cooke penalty. His first effort slid past the upright but the referee ordered that it should be retaken after the Sandal players refused to remain silent as the kick was taken. That resulted in the Sandal coach being ordered from the confines of the ground.

The visitors raised their game but missed a kickable penalty and constant pressure near the Malton line looked like succeeding on two or three occasions but Malton's stout defence, with Andy Mitchell to the fore, held firm.

When Malton did break free with clearing kicks, centres George Mosey and Chidley were eager to chase down the loose ball and cause Sandal problems.

From one such effort, a maul formed on half way near the touchline three minutes from the end and Dobson fed flanker Phil Ryan, who scorched over in the corner from 40 yards.

Despite the rather scrappy nature of the game, Malton showed that they have the ability to make a mark on this league and the displays of the younger members bode well for the future.

With the likes of Tim Chapman, Steve Piercy, Ian Mansell, David Cooke and Liam Cowton on the sidelines for the Sandal clash there appears to be strength in depth within Malton's ranks.

Updated: 11:48 Monday, September 06, 2004