First Half
Wetherby arrived at Malton to find their pitch in pristine condition, despite non-stop pouring rain on Saturday. Wetherby had the better of the opening exchanges but were met with some stubborn Malton defence as they played into the wind and rain. An early long range penalty attempt from Charlie Yates fell just short, but Wetherby kept the pressure on. A strong maul put the visitors on the front foot before a neat chip over the top from Harry Kaye saw Charlie Yates regather untouched for a try he converted himself (0-7). Malton capitalised on a poor Wetherby exit from the resulting kick-off and were able to build a period of pressure of their own. After coming close to doting down from a hack through, Malton benefitted from some over eagerness at the ruck from the Wetherby defence as they kicked a straight forward penalty through their fullback Paul Angus (3-7). The rest of the half played out as a game of chess as both teams showed their physicality in defence and nullified each other.
Half Time: Malton & Norton 3-7 Wetherby

Second Half
With the wind at their backs Wetherby started the second half well and soon found themselves deep in Malton territory. A sustained period of pressure saw the visitors lose their composure several times when in try-scoring positions and fail to take the game away from the hosts. Finally after 15 minutes of pressure a neat break from Charlie Yates found George Aspland in space as he dotted down for an unconverted try (3-12). Wetherby were never going to have it their own way and Malton came back well through some direct play. Malton were winning the collisions with ball in hand and again found Wetherby over-eager at the breakdown. After missing a kickable penalty, Malton's pressure finally told as they crashed over from close range to bring the game back within a score (10-12). Malton remained in the ascendency and again pressed the line. Wetherby were sent down to 14 men as Cam Briggs was adjudged to have broken through a ruck illegally. A simple penalty was missed in front of the posts, instantly followed by a length of the pitch clearing kick from captain Yates that changed the momentum of the game. Wetherby controlled the territory in the ten minute period where they were down to 14-men before the newly reintroduced Briggs made a half break and found the ever-willing Josh Draper on his shoulder to score a crucial try, converted by Olly Walters (10-19).
Full Time: Malton & Norton 10-19 Wetherby