Malton and Norton reached the Yorkshire Shield final after overcoming a determined Keighley outfit 14-12 in a close contest in the sun at Keighley.

They will play Beverley in the final at Hull Ionians ground on Sunday, May 2, kick off 2.30pm.

Two well matched sides traded territory for the first half hour at Keighley, with no sign of either defence cracking until Malton number 8 forward James McKay picked up from a set scrum and broke blind.

Bursting through the first line of defence he made rapid progress before handing on to winger Ian Cooke, who passed the 300 point mark for the season with a try which he converted himself.

The score seemed to settle Malton as they now began to take control.

The back row of David Cooke, McKay and Chris Robson were in good form and covering every inch of ground to be first to the breakdown and secure possession.

Jason Simpson, at full back, was always a threat when in possession and constantly asked questions of the home defence.

However, the hoped for breakthrough did not come and Malton turned around with a seven point margin.

The early stages of the second half could have seen Malton greatly extend their lead but twice they failed as the man in possession tried to go it alone instead of passing to an unmarked colleague.

The break did eventually come when centre Neil Gilbertson managed to squeeze over in the corner for a deserved try.

Ian Cooke, with a brilliant kick from the touchline, added the extras.

A period of stupidity then entered Malton's game with almost disastrous results.

Having been penalised in centre field they then conceded a further ten yards for questioning the decision.

McKay continued to voice his opinion and was shown a yellow card for his troubles.

Reduced to fourteen men Malton had to face a rejuvenated home side.

Keighley took full advantage and scored their first try through wing John Hinchliffe, who appeared to knock on before diving over.

Worse followed as Keighley again struck with a two man overlap on the left for left wing Mark Cox to touch down.

Fly-half John Harrison added the conversion to bring Keighley within two points of Malton.

Malton snapped out of their daze with McKay, restored to the fold, and substitute Ryan Lonsdale almost crossed for his side after seizing a loose clearance and powering his way towards the line before being held just short.

Malton's fitness then ensured that they weathered the storm for the remaining minutes of the game and finished much stronger than their worn out hosts.

Not for the first time this season, it was the team work of the Malton side that saw them through against a side who were desperate for some silverware to round off a good season themselves.

Beverley booked their place in the final with a 22-18 victory over West park Bramhope thanks to tries by Tony Riby, Anthony Posa and Mike Kilgannon. Ian Archibald kicked the rest of the points.

Updated: 10:17 Monday, April 26, 2004