Scarborough RUFC suffer defeat in derby clash at Malton & Norton

Simon Smith's men probed for the home side's try line early on, but were denied by stern Malton defence.

And on seven minutes The Gannock outfit went ahead when Matt Bowman touched down for a converted try.

The deficit was cut to 7-5 on 15 minutes, Aaron Wilson latching onto Henry Hocking's clever kick to crash over.

A Malton try extended their lead to 10-5 and then further to 17-5, James Bulmer breaking clear to touch down after 35 minutes.

Malton were well and truly on top when Rob Featherstone barged his way over on the cusp of the interval for a 24-5 advantage.

However, Smith's side were given a hint of hope as they broke away and Tom Ratcliffe dived over and converted himself for a half-time score of 24-12.

Scarborough got right back into the contest on 65 minutes when the ball was worked out wide and Jonty Holloway crashed over.

Ratcliffe missed the conversion and Malton led 24-17.

Scarborough were now on top and barely a minute later Ratcliffe was at it again, touching down and converting to level the scores up at 24-apiece.

The hosts weren't to be denied their derby day victory though and Jacob Stephenson touched down with 10 minutes left on the clock to wrap up a 31-24 success for Malton & Norton.

Scarborough will look to bounce back against Bradford & Bingley at Silver Royd next Saturday.

*** DON'T MISS *** Charlie Hopper's extended match report and Simon Smith's column in Thursday's Scarborough News