Sat 19 Oct 2024
Old Crossleyans 1XV 13 – 27 Wetherby
Discipline issues and a lacklustre performance thwarted Old Crossleyans’ bid for their first home win of the season against eighth-placed Wetherby. Despite leading 10-7 at halftime, the Crocs were hampered by two red cards in the second half, failing to deliver the performance that players and supporters had hoped for.
Wetherby, having been promoted from Yorkshire 1 last season, initially showcased their scrum dominance, overpowering Old Crossleyans from their own ball possession. However, a loose pass from Wetherby was pounced on by Matthew Beswick. Then a neat cross field kick by Joe Stott, making his seasonal debut, allowed Josh Hunt to win the ariel duel and run the ball under the sticks from 10 metres out. James Johnson added the extras putting Crocs ahead, 7-0 at eighteen minutes in.
Wetherby responded just three minutes later, exploiting a gap in the Crocs defence thanks to their fullback Charlie Yates. Despite strong defensive efforts from George Banham and Tom Metcalfe, Yates scored out wide and converted his own try to level the match at 7-7.
Wetherby maintained their scrum advantage as the game progressed. After Chris Vine disputed a referee’s decision, he received a yellow card. However, Crocs did well and managed to clear their lines with two effective kicks from Joel McFarlane.
A penalty awarded for foul play against Santiago Busso allowed James Johnson to extend Crocs’ lead to 10-7 just before halftime.
In the second half, a powerful carry from man of the match George Banham nearly broke through Wetherby’s defence. An infringement against Joe Stott led to another successful penalty from Johnson, increasing the score to 13-7.
Wetherby retaliated with a break that Dan Smith halted, but his tackle was deemed high, resulting in a yellow card. Wetherby capitalized on the numerical advantage, going through several phases before scoring, although they missed the conversion, narrowing the score to 13-12.
Ten minutes later, Wetherby scored a converted try, taking the lead at 13-17. Tensions flared as both Tom Metcalfe and his opposite number were shown straight red cards after a scuffle. Old Crossleyans were awarded a penalty restart from the scuffle.
Dan Smith received his second yellow for a technical infringement, leading to a red card. The Crocs faced further setbacks as the referee marched them back for two penalties, allowing Wetherby to secure a kickable penalty from halfway, extending their lead to 13-20 with just ten minutes remaining.
Any hopes of a Crocs comeback were dashed five minutes from time when a loose pass was intercepted by a Wetherby player, who ran in unopposed for a final score of 13-27.
