Malton & Norton U23s play first match against Scarborough

A hastily arranged match, it was Malton’s first after only one training session as a unit, but their 52-33 defeat still offered plenty of optimism for the future in what was the first game of its kind for both clubs.

Scarborough kicked off towards the Old Malton end, and with their backs looking very lively and quick and accurate spin passing a feature, it wasn’t long before they opened the scoring with a converted try.

Some 10 minutes had elapsed by the time that Malton visited the Scarborough 20-metre zone, but the ball was given up after several phases and instead a visiting lock forward ran the ball 65 metres out of defence, brushing off some feeble would-be tackles to score a fine individual try.

With their forwards starting to provide ball and get on level terms with the opposing eight, the Ryedale side responded almost instantaneously as they set up midfielder Fred Stephenson to halve the deficit.

However, Scarborough extended their lead on 19 minutes, their number 12 making 20 metres up the stand side and, with plentiful support, put the ball through three phases to score out wide.

And just two minutes later, a bemused Malton could only stand and watch as the visiting number eight bullocked his way 25 metres to the whitewash, taking the score to 26-7.

The flurry of tries continued on the half-hour as talking, or rather a lack of it, became an issue for the hosts, and as a direct consequence Scarborough sent another man over the line.

Malton hit back three minutes later against the run of play, with Stephenson scoring his second of the half, but it was the visitors who had the last word before the break, extending their lead to 38-14 on the stroke of half time.

Trailing 38-14 at half time, Malton had it all to do after the break. (Image: Ann Taylor/Pitchside Photographer) A pep talk at the interval reminded Malton that the contest was not yet over, but with Scarborough looking better drilled in most departments and despite calls for more tempo from the technical area, the hosts looked a trifle flat.

Scarborough, perhaps thinking a 24-point lead was enough, retreated into their shell for the opening 20 minutes of the half, only to emerge with tries in the 60th and 62nd minutes to pass the half-century.

But it was Malton who set about salvaging some pride for the remainder of the match.

In the 68th minute, full-back Max Bradshaw earned his reward for a strong performance with a well-taken try that saw him run 40 metres up the stand side for another seven points.

And then Adam Finlinson swept up the stand side and cleverly delivered an offload out of the back of his hand for Finn Tumman, who had a clear run in to score.

With the final whistle in the offing, Malton rounded off the scoring, with the ball delivered to Tumman to dot down his second of the match and take the score to 52-33.

It was a worthwhile exercise for Malton, who will hope to build for the future, with some of their Under 23s already having tasted first-team action this season.