Old Crossleyans RUFC

Crocs welcome first home win of the season

After a challenging first half in which the Crocs trailed 7-15 on their home turf against bottom-of-the-table Goole, the team made a remarkable turnaround in the second half. They fought back to secure a hard-fought 24-22 victory in this crucial must-win fixture.

For the final game of 2024, both teams sat in the bottom two spots of Regional 2 North East and fielded significantly changed sides from when the Crocs narrowly defeated Goole 10-12 back in September.

Goole had a chance to snatch victory in the final 60 seconds with a penalty attempt from near halfway. However, the kick fell short, and the Crocs were able to clear their lines and secure the win.

In the first half, the Crocs dominated possession but were unable to penetrate Goole's steadfast defence. Goole capitalized on their opportunities, taking a 12-point lead after the first 20 minutes with two tries, one of which was converted. Things worsened for the Crocs when their new signing, Sbulelo Roji, was shown a yellow card for a questionable high tackle. Goole extended their lead to 15 points with a well-struck penalty.

James Johnson scored the Crocs' only points of the first half, crossing for an unopposed try out wide and then converting it himself, bringing the score to 15-7 at halftime.

Early in the second half, James Cooper touched down from a maul following excellent lineout work by the Crocs' pack, narrowing the deficit to 12-15. The wind however, blew over Johnson’s kick placement.

Fan favourite Santiago Busso powered over for the Crocs' third try, putting them ahead 19-15. However, a clever dummy by Goole's number 9 quickly put them back in the lead, 19-22, with just 10 minutes remaining.

James Johnson scored Crocs’ fourth and bonus point try, diving over out wide to end 2024 with a crucial five-point victory for the Old Crossleyans which may become invaluable at the end of the season.