And so it proved for Malton as they exited from the Yorkshire Shield after running the Dalesmen close and producing most of the good rugby.
However, just like York before them, they left empty-handed.
On a quagmire of a pitch the h
ome side showed their intentions after five minutes. Malton were penalised in midfield and a kick to the corner gave North Ribblesdale an attacking line-out.
A clean catch and drive could not be held as Malton slithered over their own line for the home forwards to claim a try.
A penalty followed shortly afterwards when Malton were caught offside at a maul.
The expectations were that Malton would struggle to gain any useful possession against a massive home pack but those thoughts were quickly proved wrong as Malton shunted the hosts off their own ball on two occasions in the opening exchanges, causing the home side to rearrange their front row in the face of Ed Gwilliam and Adam Turnbull pressure.
From that point on Malton enjoyed almost total possession and territorial advantage.
Gwilliam, and Turnbull made great inroads with some fierce scrummaging and driving runs and No 8 John Dobson caused mayhem in the home defence with some storming runs.
However, the home defence held firm despite the Malton onslaught.
Ian Cooke, playing at full-back for Malton, was magnificent throughout the match both in defence and attack, and he gave Malton hope with a penalty 15 minutes from full-time.
As the gloom descended on the picturesque setting, Malton redoubled their efforts and just failed to level the scores on a couple occasions and credit must go to the home defence for keeping Malton at bay for so long.
Malton: I Cooke, T Pateman, P Pateman, A Lynch (D Cattle 35mins), E Richardson, C Creber, L Cowton, A Turnbull, E Gwilliam, S Pease, C Robson, D Foster, S Triffitt, J Machin, J Dobson.
