Sat 28 Sep 2024
Old Crossleyans 1XV 22 – 54 Goole
Crocs second best in high scoring game
On Chris Vine’s 200th first team appearance Old Crossleyans conceded eight tries to a rampant Rochdale side who will surely be gunning for promotion this season. Crocs scored three tries in the home fixture which left them one short of being awarded a four try bonus point.
With Crocs 28-3 down after just 19 minutes already the game appeared to be slipping away from the home team. It was at this point when Alex ‘dynamite’ Thompson saw the smallest of gaps inside Rochdale's own half and managed to breakaway for an outstanding individual try underneath the sticks. Converted by James Johnson making the score 28-10.
Rochdale's reply was swift, and despite committed defence from Harry and Finbar Drennan in particular, Rochdale crossed over Crocs tryline from short-range making the score 35-10.
After James Johnson and Alex Thompson combined to field a Rochdale clearance kick there was an infringement on Ross Peltier. Crocs kicked for the corner and George Banham was held up over Rochdale's try line. A yellow card was awarded to the visitors and Harry Drennan finished the Crocs attack with a try. The conversion hit the Crossbar and bounced over making the score 35-17.
The final say of the first half was by Rochdale's fly-half Steve Collins, who chipped over the Crocs defence and regathered his own kick to touch down under the posts. 42-17.
Into the second half a heroic tackle by Joal McFarlane caused Rochdale to knock on. Even though possession was lost by Crocs after the scrum, possession was regained after good work at the breakdown by Joe Camlin. A pass from McFarlane found Matthew Beswick who crashed over Rochdale's try line. 42-22.
After nifty passing by Rochdale's backs, the ball was spun wide and Rochdale scored a breakaway try 20 minutes into the second half, making the score 47-22.
Crocs had their chances for a four try bonus point late in the second half but failed to capitalize. Both Dan Smith and George Banham were held up over Rochdale's try line. Rochdale scored a final try 2 minutes from full time making the final score 54-22.
