Malton and Norton took full advantage of the opportunity to bolster the 'points for' column with a 99-10 win against bottom-placed Hullensians at The Gannock

These points could be crucial, with four sides still in contention for the two promotion places.

After two difficult weeks Chris Creber and his men were pleased to have an extremely competent official in charge and their style of play benefited from his control.

From the start the courageous Humbersiders were outgunned and had no answer to the drive and excellent handling and support play of the Malton pack.

They were left bamboozled at times as Andy Newsome, returning at scrum-half, brought the backs into action for Creber to orchestrate many sweeping attacks, many of which ended in five-point scores.

Arthur Wilson, revelling in his right wing roll, was first to get his name on the score sheet, followed at regular intervals by many of his colleagues as the visitors tried in vain to stem the flow.

A 51-3 interval lead was followed by almost total dominance in the second period, though the visitors did manage to battle their way upfield to score a try of their own.

In total 17 tries were scored by Malton from Nick Tyson (3), Arthur Wilson (2), Tim Chapman (2), Richard Webster (2), Chris Creber (2), Richard Ellis (2), Ian Cooke, Phil Ryan, Ian Mansell, and Ed. Gwilliam. Tyson converted three, Creber two and replacement scrum-half Liam Harvey two.

This should act as a confidence booster for the vital games ahead, starting with the top of the table clash with Skipton at The Gannock on Saturday and the following week's Tetley Vase final against Hoylake at Twickenham.

There are a few places available for those wishing to travel to Twickenham by coach, which will be filled on a first come first served basis. Tickets for the game can be purchased at Twickenham on the day of the match.

Updated: 12:48 Monday, April 09, 2001