Malton and Norton were well beaten 12-0 in their North 2 East game at Stockton, which was played in Arctic conditions, with an icy gale blowing diagonally across the pitch.

In a poor game Malton's performance failed to warm their large band of supporters.

Out-muscled in the pack they struggled to get any worthwhile possession and the small amount that was won was invariably given away cheaply.

With the advantage of the wind at their backs, Stockton used the touchline sensibly and set up camp in the Malton 22 metre area.

A sustained onslaught produced the first score of the game when Stockton were awarded a penalty try when a Malton player took out the Stockton winger who was about to receive the ball to score in the corner.

The referee used his discretion and did not follow recent guidelines and decided against showing a yellow card to the offending player.

Almost from the restart the lead was increased when a good catch and drive at a line-out was taken over the Malton line for an unconverted try.

From that point on Stockton used the ugly but effective tactic of keeping the ball close to the pack and driving at the Malton defence, thus depriving Malton of any ball.

In the second half Malton failed to follow the example of the opposition and kept the ball in hand when a long boot to touch was all that was necessary to gain position.

Stockton still kept their game plan and continued to drive at the Malton defence from all situations. It wasn't pretty but it was greatly effective and Malton had no answer.

Malton's game next weekend at Horden will be preceded by an auction of promises at The Gannock on Friday evening, starting at 7.30pm, when all are welcome.

Updated: 10:30 Monday, February 14, 2005