MALTON & Norton RUFC began their North One East campaign in fine fashion with a convincing 56-5 victory over Cleckheaton.

In temperatures more suited to cricket, Malton opened their account with a convincing all-round display and eight touchdowns in a try-fest at The Gannock to become the early leaders in the table after the first weekend.

They will look to continue on the front foot when they go to Huddersfield YMCA on Saturday, who opened with a 29-24 defeat at Percy Park.

A Malton club spokesman said: "The coaching and fitness staff must be congratulated on the level of fitness achieved during a very hot six-week period since serious training was resumed.

"It would be invidious to single out any individuals from the squad of 18 as this was a fine display by all."

With the forwards supplying a constant stream of quality possession from all phases, the ball was moved freely around the park and Malton stuck to their format of running rugby with good distribution from half-backs Paul Angus and Luke Raduva.

A punchy hard running display by centre Nick Rangiuira was also to the fore, giving the returning outside-centre Nick Daley a chance to display his elusive running skills, with all the wingers used backing him up and running in tries at will.

The half-time score of 23-0 was well-earned and the second half resumed with Malton keeping their collective feet on the throttle and scoring some quality tries, with the Cherry and Whites gaining one consolation score in the 70th minute.

Rob Armitage finished with a hat-trick for Malt, with the other tries shared between Charlie Corner, Sean Emms, Daley, Tom Lowry and Ben Tenge - who is back at Malt after playing rugby league for York Acorn ARLC.

Angus added four conversions and two penalties, with Ali Fothergill also booting a conversion.