Malton & Norton
W 10-12
League
13-12-2025
Scarborough - 1st XV
By Charlie Hopper
Scarborough RUFC made it a derby day to remember as they beat local rivals Malton & Norton, 12-10, at the Gannock on Saturday.
Within touching distance of league leaders Pocklington, Ben Foden’s side made a commanding start to the game and took a deserved lead in the 10th minute. Ropeti Ropeti managed to work his way past a Malton & Norton defender before going over to score. Joe Davies added the extras for 7-0. Backed by a bumper crowd, the home side responded and reduced the deficit to 7-5 in the 23rd minute. James Bulmers cross field kick bounced kindly for Jack Redshaw to finish to the left of the posts. The momentum continued to be with Malton, who looked set to take the lead just three minutes later, only for a knock-on to halt their progress close to the Scarborough line. The final action of a tense first half came in the form of a yellow card for Pete Hopkins, after a number of offences close to the try line.
The second-half started with Scarborough on the back foot and Malton took the lead, for the very first time, in the 45th minute through Bill Collier. The Winger collected the ball out wide and muscled his way through the tackles to score. Their lead only lasted 10 minutes, however, as Scarborough came roaring back with an unconverted try of their own to wrestle back the lead. In form Drew Govier broke clear from a tackle to reach for the line and score. With Scarborough hanging on for a vital four points, the home side broke through the defence and looked set to score. After building the phases, close to the try line, the ball spilled into the arms of Jake Lyon and he was able to present it for a team mate to kick it out.
Now top of the Regional Two North East table, Scarborough host Moortown next weekend, looking to finish 2025 on a high.