Sat 7 Sep 2024
Old Crossleyans 1XV 19 – 23 Morley
Crocs edged out by Morley but display an encouraging performance
A new look Old Crossleyans side, featuring 6 debutants, fell short of defeating Morley at Broomfield in the first game of the 24/25 league campaign. The match was captain Tom Metcalfe’s first game in charge of the side, possibly the youngest captain the Crocs have ever appointed to this position.
After Morley’s first try 25 minutes in, the Crocs were playing catch up all match, and never entered the lead themselves. By half time Crocs only points had come from a James Johnson penalty, making the score 14-3 going into the break.
Crocs first try came just after when hooker James Cooper broke free from a maul and was able to touch down, assisted by Harry Drennan and Seb Da Silva.
With the score 14-23 with six minutes remaining, an Old Crossleyans victory came within reach when Matthew Beswick created some space to make a break and offloaded to the supporting James Johnson, who scored a fine try out wide.
It was too late to clinch the win however, and the full-time score finished 19-23. Crocs attitude was first class throughout the match and many of the players and supporters felt unlucky not to have clinched the win.
Excitement and anticipation will be building throughout for the first derby match of the season, when Old Brodleians visit Broomfield next Saturday.
