Malton and Norton failed to get the two points they need for safety in North 2 East as they lost 26-16 at West Hartlepool.

In the first half Malton were not in the picture as the home side showed more commitment and passion.

After only two minutes West Hartlepool drove the ball deep into Malton's 22 before releasing it to the backs for inside centre Alan Milne to cross for a try.

Their next score came from a line out catch and drive which allowed fellow centre Peter Hodgson to cross and DaveTighe to convert.

Malton struck back with two Ian Cooke penalties before the same player attempted a chip over the defence in his own 22 only for the ball to be intercepted and a breakaway try scored and converted.

West Hartlepool score a further breakaway try in the opening minutes of the second period, but Malton battled back.

Cooke took the ball in midfield and carved his way through to score under the posts and he added the conversion.

However, yellow cards meant that the game, which was played at a fast pace, was killed as a contest.

Phil Ryan suffered a broken jaw after only ten minutes of the game.

Updated: 10:02 Monday, March 14, 2005