Thirsk completed the double over Malton last Saturday, with winger Steve Ashby scoring three tries to help seal a convincing win.

The visitors took the lead within the first five minutes after good work in the line-out and scrum. The Malton forwards put on the pressure to push over for five points, but with a strong wind in their favour they were unable to convert from a tight angle.

Malton scored again after ten minutes when a clearance kick by Thirsk caught the wind and ended up behind the point of the kick. Malton jumped on the loose ball and went over from the resulting play to lead 10-0.

The home side had a good try by No 8 James Brimlow disallowed because the referee was unsighted, but they did score shortly after from a quick penalty which was shipped along the back line for Ashby to put down in the corner.

But with conditions worsening, stand off Oliver Turner was unable to convert from a difficult angle.

Before the break, Turner did put points on the board with a try himself, but was again unable to convert as the wind and driving rain set in.

But Thirsk's spirits certainly weren't dampened as they started the second half with real determination and it wasn't long before Ashby scored his second try.

Again Thirsk found Malton wanting after a quick penalty was shipped out to the wing for Ashby to go over in the corner. With the strong wind now in Turner's favour, the conversion flew over to put Thirsk in front.

The home side kept up the pressure, stretching Malton at every opportunity.

They scored their fourth try after prop Sean Mason ran a penalty straight at Malton's defence, drawing two men to the tackle before off-loading to second row Andy Ryder in close support.

He forced his way over the line despite the attentions of two Malton defenders and Turner was again on target with the conversion.

Thirsk took their chance to go further in front as Malton gave away another penalty. This time Thirsk opted to kick the points on offer as Turner had found the groove, pushing them to a 17-point lead.

Thirsk used the opportunity to introduce some fresh legs, making five changes in the second half, a luxury they haven't had in recent weeks.

The home side continued to press, but Ashby must have thought his hat-trick was going to evade him. Several times he found himself with an overlap, but the pass never came.

But he took his chance in the last few minutes of the match, using his abundance of speed to go over for another five points.

Turner completed the scoring with an amazing kick from an almost impossible angle in terrible rain and gusting wind to seal a good all-round team performance.

Ashby was deservedly voted man of the match, with good solid performances coming from Brimlow and Ryder, who returned after a two- month absence.

Tomorrow's game is at Darlington, meet at the athletics club at 12.30 prompt.