Malton and Norton's superior fitness and pace ensured an untroubled move into the next round of the Yorkshire Shield with a 55-10 win at home to York RI.

It was always going to be an uphill struggle for RI, after losing a full-back and second-row to injury before the game, but they put up a brave performance.

They more than matched Malton and Norton in the pack but found the home side's back division too hot to handle.

RI battled hard for the first 30 minutes before they ran out of steam. They probably just shaded the forward exchanges in the first half hour, but whenever the three-quarters were given the ball there was only one side in the game.

Malton's first score came when they broke from a line-out on the right touchline. Right wing Ian Cooke along with full-back Jason Simpson entered the line to give Malton a numerical advantage on the left for Liam Cowton to cross in the corner.

The home pack were much quicker to any breakdown and punched holes in the RI defence with some hard forward drives.

Second-row Duncan Foster broke free from one drive to race over for his side's second try which was converted by Ian Cooke.

Down 17-0 after 20 minutes, RI reduced the lead when winger John Paul Hogan scored in the corner.

Malton went further ahead when centre Will Barber took his opportunity to cross wide on the right to give his side a 17-5 lead at the interval

In the second half, Malton's pack, with David Cooke and Andy Mitchell putting in the big hits and their colleagues swarming all over the pitch, took control and ensured that the backs had some quality ball.

A well-worked move from a line-out put James McKay over in the corner.

Ian Cooke, who was named by the match sponsors as man of the match, made a mazy run before setting up Barber for his second score.

Other tries were scored by Ian Cooke (2) and McKay (2). Cooke converted five of the nine tries scored.

Malton took the opportunity to blood another young player in substitute full-back Tom Stephenson, who played a major part in setting up Malton's final try.

Angus Smith scored a consolation try for RI.

Next weekend Malton entertain Pocklington in their penultimate league match. Malton must win to keep their promotion campaign on track.

Updated: 09:46 Monday, March 24, 2003