Malton and Norton's opening Yorkshire Three game ended in a 32-25 defeat, but some comfort can be gained from the fact that not many teams travel to Stocksbridge and win.

On a postage stamp-sized ground in an exposed Pennine location the massive home pack proved the difference.

With a gale at their backs Stocksbridge set up camp in the Malton 22 from the start but resolute tackling throughout the Malton side stemmed the constant forward onslaught before the inevitable penalty was conceded and goaled.

Malton strove to free their vastly superior back division and took the lead shortly afterwards when slick handling by the threequarters gave Ian Cooke the opportunity to slice through. But the hosts countered with a converted try for a lead that they were not to relinquish.

Malton battled hard and always looked threatening with the ball in hand, the backs combining to send skipper Chris Creber over to level the scores.

But on the stroke of half time Stocksbridge's prop again crossed to extend his side's lead with yet another close range try.

Although Malton had the benefit of the gale for the second period the pattern resembled the first half, with Malton being denied any worthwhile possession and Stocksbridge continuing to play a ten man game.

It was the home side who drew first blood when yet another stolen line-out ball was driven over the line.

An Ian Mansell try for 'Malt narrowed the gap but further forward battering from Stocksbridge yielded two further short range tries, one of which was converted.

In the dying minutes, with the home pack visibly wilting, Malton tried in vain to catch up. Excellent handling in the backs was rounded off with a debut try from new recruit Matt Richmond, who moments later again showed great pace and skill to show a clean pair of heals to his pursuers for his second try. Unfortunately for Malton the final whistle sounded to prevent a miraculous comeback.

There was much to savour in the Malton performance.

On this showing, Malton schoolmaster Richmond looks to be a good acquisition and the return of Richard John to the fold will increase the depth and experience

Malton take on Hull at The Gannock next Saturday in the first round of the Intermediate Cup (ko 3pm).

Hull have recruited heavily during the summer with a number of Rugby League players joining the ranks along with Gary Pearce, the former Welsh international and Pocklington player/coach, and several other 'Pock' players.

Updated: 11:47 Monday, September 10, 2001