MALTON & Norton produced a determined display to push Yorkshire One leaders Sandal close before going down 17-10 at The Gannock.

Malt's excellent defence ensured the result was in the balance until the dying minutes.

The home side started well and took the game to the visitors with some ferocious rucking and mauling.

Quick handling saw Ian Cooke brought down just short of the line, but he was able to off load to left wing Ryan Lonsdale and he touched down.

Having held firm for more than half an hour, the Malton barrier finally cracked when they were caught offside at a ruck in front of the posts and full-back Chris Reakes kicked the penalty.

Reakes added another penalty before half-time.

Sandal were quickly into their stride after the break and they claimed an early unconverted try, but Malton's Lonsdale scored an interception.

Sandal fly-half Tom Smith kicked another two penalties to round off the victory.

Meanwhile, Selby are six points adrift of top two Sandal and Ilkley after a last-minute penalty consigned them to a 20-19 defeat by Heath at Sandhill Lane.

Dan Porter kicked two penalties and winger Shaun Gandy touched down to give the hosts a half-time lead. Porter kicked a third penalty and winger Iain Adamson scored a try but Heath were not to be denied.