FULL-CONTACT rugby union returned to The Gannock for the first time in 18 months as Malton & Norton RUFC lost 28-21 to York in a pre-season friendly, writes James Knock.

After a lengthy spell on the sidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic, the two sides took part in a game of four 20-minute quarters, with scrums back in place.

York, who went into the game with five more players than Malton, started strongly and were led around the field by former Munster scrum-half Declan Cusack.

The visitors capitalised on early penalties to score through Liam Hessay, who converted all of York's tries.

Malt equalised at the end of the first quarter. From a successful line-out, James Bulmer scored a fine solo try, jinking his way over from 20 metres.

But York began to take control in the second quarter and their pressure finally told as Sam Taylor crossed the whitewash.

Malt were back level when Will Bell danced through the York defence before offloading for Shane Pole’s seven-pointer.

Minutes after the start of the the third quarter, Sam Triffitt went off injured and Malton conceded shortly afterwards.

Two York tries from Jonty Atkinson and Ollie Rudd, in the space of 10 minutes, gave them some breathing space.

But Malton’s defence remained resolute throughout the final quarter and they had the last word, Jacob Head crossing for a final, converted, score.

Malton begin their North One East season on September 4 when they make the trip to Moortown (3pm) and play their first league game at The Gannock against Driffield on September 11.

York travel to Doncaster Phoenix tomorrow for a final warm-up game before their North Premier season kicks off at Otley on Saturday, September 4 (3pm).