NESTLE Rowntree RUFC had no Yorkshire Four fixture but a hastily arranged friendly against Malton & Norton 3rds gave 15 players a run-out and they won 25-12.
Most of the 15 were playing out of position but they gradually got used to each other and bagged first-half tries by prop Connor Smyth-Lynch, full-back Morgan Cames and centre Fatayi Okotete, with Mike Palfrey, in his first game since pre-season, adding two conversions and two second-half penalties.
Trees now go to second-placed Mosborough on Saturday while neighbours York RI, who have got themselves into the promotion frame, visit another high-flying team in Hessle.
The game at Malton took place in murky conditions but both sides attempted to play rugby and run the ball which made for a good clean game.
Trees got the opening score on 20 minutes when, after a good break by the backs, the ball was fed out from a ruck for Smyth-Lynch to charge over.
Soon, quick thinking from Gaz Evans - in his first game for probably 20 years at fly-half - released Cames to score out wide.
Trees, now playing a lot better now, extended their lead to 19-0 close to half-time as Okotete charged through.
However, with virtually their first serious effort on Nestle's defence right on half-time, Malton were awarded a penalty try.
The second half was more entertaining but both defences were tackling their hearts out.
Palfrey extended the lead to 22-7 with a penalty and, while Malton hit back with a good try, defences took over again, with the stalemate broken only by Palfrey's second three-pointer.
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