Malton and Norton reached the halfway point of the Yorkshire One season joint top with Pontefract after their 34-13 win at neighbours Scarborough.

Although outweighed in the pack, Malt showed a ponderous Scarborough that pace and handling are the key to success.

Rohan Raas's penalty put Scarborough ahead when Malton were caught offside at a ruck.

The men from the Gannock responded with a good forward drive to set up the backs and full back Jason Simpson roared through the gap to get the first of the visitors' five tries.

After being thwarted in their attempts to cross the line several times, Malton opted for a penalty kick and Ian Cooke duly obliged.

In-form David Webster carved open the Scarborough defence with great footwork and sleight of hand to score wide out.

The Scalby Roaders pulled back a penalty but with Cris Creber dictating from flay-half for Malton, it was no surprise when Will barber put Ian Cooke over for the first try of the second half. Cooke's conversion put Malton well in control.

After being stopped short on a couple of occasions, Barber grabbed the next try with Cooke tagging on the extras.

Prop Liam Vaughan then finished off a good move with a converted try - his first for the club.

Scarborough were under seige but kicked their way out of trouble and stole the ball at a lineout near the Malton line and won a penalty try from the ensuing scrum. Although Raas added the conversion it was too little too late for Scarborough, who remain rooted t the bottom of the table while Malton remain on course for promotion.

Updated: 09:57 Monday, December 08, 2003