Malton and Norton's ascent continued with a second successive promotion which will see Yorkshire Division One rugby at The Gannock next season.

To achieve the promotion Malt won their last Division two game 41-17 at Beverley to end the threat from West Park Bramhope who finished third on points for and against difference.

Malton soon swept into scoring territory with fly half Chris Creber feeding flanker Andy Mitchell who crossed under the posts. Ian Cooke added the extra points.

Beverley, with nothing but pride to play for, replied almost immediately to level the scores.

But young centre Ryan Lonsdale was a thorn in the Beverley side and made several telling runs into the heart of the home defence and Malton's pressure was rewarded when they awarded a penalty for an offside offence which Cooke put between the posts to regain the lead.

Another Lonsdale run was halted short of the line but Creber was on hand to grab the loose ball and cross in the corner.

With a safety margin now established Malton played some of their best rugby of the season. The next try was the first of three for number eight James McKay who kept up his phenomenal scoring record when he raced over from 20 metres. Again Cooke converted.

The visitors were now in total control and just before the break Creber outwitedt the home defence to record his second and his side's fourth try before half time. Cooke again added the extras and Malton led 29-7 at half-time.

Duncan Foster and Richard Webster were reigning supreme in the line-outs and providing some excellent quick ball for scrum half Jon Newsome to get his backs running.

Ian Cooke and Will Barber both came close before McKay forced his way over in the corner for his second.

McKay then produced a delicate dummy and side-step to bamboozle the entire home defence for his third try which Cooke again converted for his side's final score.

The home side then adopted a more physical attitude which left Malton minus the services of both Ian Cooke and Jason Simpson both of whom suffered broken noses.

Beverley scored a consolation try late in the game but the result was now in no doubt.

The average age of the side is still under 25 which bodes well for the future and with youngsters like Mitchell, Lonsdale and Steve Piercy, the future is bright.

Coach Pat Stephenson stepped down after this game and handed the reins to Rich John.

Stephenson can be justifiably proud of his achievements over the last three seasons and John has a hard act to follow.

Updated: 09:51 Monday, April 14, 2003