YORK RUFC hit top form to inflict Malton & Norton’s first home defeat of the Yorkshire One campaign.

The Clifton Parkers produced the complete performance to win 24-0 at The Gannock against a Malton side ravaged by injuries in recent weeks.

The first quarter of the game saw both sides testing each other out in all departments, with York holding sway up front and Malton putting together some good passages of play in the loose.

Malton’s luck ran out after 15 minutes when they temporarily lost full-back Ian Cooke with an injury and permanently lost flanker Tom Lowry with a shoulder problem.

York’s first try came when a kick to the corner from a penalty in the 20th minute produced the opportunity to set up a catch and drive.

They executed the move perfectly to record the first score.

Malton were coping well against the strong breeze but York again kicked deep and Malt failed to clear their lines, conceding a five-metre scrum.

The bigger York pack made their presence felt and shoved Malton back over the line for their second try and a 14-point half-time lead.

With Cooke restored to the side after the interval, Malton were still in with a chance.

However, they lost a lineout close to their own line on 50 minutes and York again used the power of their pack to drive over for a third try.

With the game drawing to a close, York ran the ball from defence, with backs and forwards combining to get a bonus-point try to seal a well deserved victory.

Marcus Britland grabbed two of the York tries, while Dave Bates and Sam Thorpe also crossed the whitewash.

Meanwhile, Selby lost 27-9 at Old Brodleians in Yorkshire One.

Penalty blow to RI hopes

A PENALTY deep into injury time denied York RI RUFC a draw against Halifax Vandals in Yorkshire Four.

The New Lane hosts were playing into the wind but they edged a tight first half as a massive forward drive saw Darren Lonsdale force his way over the whitewash for a 5-0 interval lead.

Vandals upped their game in the second half to score a try, but the ever-improving Andy Brentnall went a silky run to leave Halifax clutching at thin air and his blistering pace saw him score in the corner.

Halifax levelled at 10-10 to make for a thrilling finish and, on 87 minutes, the visitors tried a long range penalty which fell short. With the referee calling last play, RI bravely tried to run the ball but ceded a penalty under the posts and the jubilant Vandals snatched a 13-10 victory.

RI forward Frankie Rossi worked tirelessly to earn the man of the match award.