Malton and Norton 35 Keighley 24

Keighley were slow to start and conceded an early penalty, kicked by centre Teei Piawi. A few minutes later Malton second row Duncan Foster broke through a loose maul and a flimsy defence to score, converted by Piawi.

Under pressure Keighley were forced into errors and a further penalty for Piawi. At the thirty minute stage Keighley managed to shake off their lethargy and perform. Some excellent driving play from Leigh Sugden set the standard. As the half time whistle approached the forwards began to gain the upper hand and take play deep into opposition territory, some solid driving play got Keighley on the scoreboard with a well taken try from their second row Stuart Inman.

After the restart, some good back play gave Keighley’s excellent full back Danny McGee the opportunity to join the line and score, converted by Brown. Stung into action Malton replied with forward pressure and a try in the corner for second row Mark Bradshaw, converted by Piawi.

After some direct running from big centre Ryan Lonsdale, Piawi ghosted his way through for a try in the corner, which he converted. Malton playing with confidence increased their lead with a run in for winger Josh Saunders.

Keighley responded well and fought back with tries for Marco Ferrazzano and a second for Stuart Inman, Alex Brown added a conversion. Malton’s Piawi capped a fine individual performance with a late penalty to give Malton a deserved victory and promotion.

Keighley will be intent on avenging a first game of the season defeat when they face Knottingley at Rose Cottage on Saturday.