Malton & Norton were given a harsh 58-6 lesson by a totally dominant Westoe side which had pace, strength and ability above anything Malton have encountered in recent seasons.

Ian Cooke gave Malton the lead in the second minute when Westoe were penalised for offside in front of their own posts but apart from one further effort late in the first half the Malton threat was limited as Westoe monopolised possession and ran in three first half tries, two of which were converted, and a penalty to hold a 22-6 interval lead.

Even with one in the sin-bin, the home side extended their lead almost from the restart with a sweeping move before crossing in the corner. With former Newcastle Falcon Richard Arnold directing affairs for Westoe, a succession of tries was the result. Even when Westoe were permanently reduced to 14 after the scrum half was sent off for dangerous use of his boot the big pack and pacy backs still managed to leave Malton shell-shocked at the conclusion.

This was certainly the stiffest opposition Malton have met on their way up the leagues and Westoe will almost certainly occupy one of the two top places in the spring. The young Malton side were far from disgraced and can take heart from the fact that their league position will be maintained as the other top sides, Huddersfield and Alnwick, also suffered big defeats.

Updated: 09:59 Monday, November 15, 2004