Sat 2 Mar 2024
The second day of spring was a poor day for the Crocs who not only lost themselves, but all the other Regional 2 North East fixtures seemed to go against them.
The 1st half was a story of exceptional defence by the crocs who themselves had hardly any possession. Both Boj Sembi and James Hinchcliffe were yellow carded in the 1st half causing the Crocs to defend with 14 men for 20 minutes which they did heroically. Dronfield had two early penalties one of which one sailed over the posts. Crocs got the chance for a penalty kick at goal themselves, but the kicking tee was apparently left in the changing rooms, so the Crocs penalty takers were looking for dints in the ground to place the ball. Despite having almost total possession Dronfield were only able to break the Crocs defence only once in the first half to cross for a try. 8-0 at half time.
Dronfield scored a converted try straight after the half time kick off making the score 15-0 to the home team. Nick Rawsthorne then entered the fray and almost immediately nearly made a clean break. After a few positive carries by George Hammond and James Hinchliffe, Matt Beswick appeared out of nowhere, taking a crash ball from scrum half Stott and crossed near the posts for a converted try. Crocs came close to scoring again but Brad O’Leary was held up over Dronfield's line. Dronfield were awarded a penalty with only 7 minutes to go which was hit true making the score18-7.
The final score of the day was made by Josh Hunt, taking a pop pass from Ellis Nuttall. However, with only 2 minutes to go Crocs had run out of time and the game finished 18-12.
Director of Rugby John Bake said about the loss ‘Disappointing, I thought we could have got a win. We defended superbly well in the 1st half to keep the score 8-0. Although we dominated in the tight, we just didn't make the best of our chances until the final 2 minutes when Hunt scored. We move on to the next game and we all know what we need to do. The boys will be ready for the fight.’
