FOUR penalties from fly-half Paul Williams kick-started York RUFC’s season as they beat derby rivals Malton & Norton 12-8 at The Gannock.

Defences were on top as the Yorkshire One campaign got under way, but Malton drew first blood thanks to Richard Webster’s steal at a lineout.

Webster’s take allowed Malton to gain field position and when York infringed fly-half Tom Collard kicked the penalty. The lead was short lived as Williams levelled the scores with a penalty when Malt were penalised for hanging onto the ball after a tackle. Midway through the half, York grabbed the lead when Malton were again penalised for not releasing after the tackle and Williams slotted home the penalty. The same player repeated the dose shortly afterwards when York were awarded a penalty for an offside decision.

However, the hosts struck back when number eight Sam Triffitt picked up from the base and fed substitute flanker Jamie Rounthwaite, who crossed for the try to bring Malton within one point.

York extended their lead with another Williams penalty.

York’s top performers were hooker Ross White, South African forward Willem Enslin and centre Jack Browning.