Malton edged Alnwick in an evenly-matched battle 17-16.

Malton opened in style and showed their intent by spreading the ball wide and making inroads into Alnwick territory with strong running on the flanks.

Malton should have taken the lead when they were awarded a penalty ten metres out in front of the posts. But instead of taking an easy three points they elected to go for the big prize but the visitors' defence kept Malton out.

Pressure on the Malton line was converted into points when centre threequarter Rob Howliston burst through to cross for the opening score. Alnwick soon added to the tally when Malton were temporarily reduced to 13 men and Alnwick took full advantage with a penalty.

Back came Malton firing on all cylinders. A good move saw Ian Cooke halted inches short of the line. Alnwick, however, were forced to concede a penalty and this time Cooke slotted the ball between the posts.

Malton conceded a penalty, for holding. Malton's Liam Vaughan then led a charge assisted by John Dobson to set up a good position for fly-half Chris Creber to orchestrate a good move with fullback Jason Simpson before freeing Cooke to score in the corner.

In the second half, Malton almost took the lead but Vaughan was adjudged not to have grounded the ball.

But Cooke levelled the scores for Malton before two tries put Alnwick ahead.

Then came the try of the game from a scrum 20 metres out, Creber broke and exchanged passes with Simpson before scorching over in the corner for a brilliant solo try.

An unfortunate incident at the final whistle saw Malton skipper Creber shown a red card for a comment made to the referee, a sad end to what had been an enthralling game.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, February 07, 2005