Sat 1 Feb 2025
Old Crossleyans 1XV 47 – 17 Doncaster Phoenix
Crocs Step Up with Impressive Win When It Matters Most
Old Crossleyans hosted Doncaster Phoenix at Broomfield for the first time in history, with both teams already embroiled in a potential battle against relegation.
In total, the Crocs scored seven tries, six of which were successfully converted, against a side fresh off a commanding 52-7 victory over Moortown the previous week.
The victory was even more significant as the Crocs secured the maximum five points while also denying Doncaster Phoenix any points.
Chris Vine opened the scoring after 10 minutes, receiving an inside pass from Josh Hunt. Shortly after, Vine made a clean break, setting up Finbar Drennan to power over the try line from the edge of Doncaster’s 22-metre line.
A clever grubber kick from Joal McFarlane then allowed Josh Hunt to poach a try 20 minutes in.
Following a penalty attempt from James Johnson that struck the post, Doncaster failed to control the rebound, and a quick step from McFarlane found him the space to score Crocs' fourth try and secure the four try bonus point.
Another well-timed grubber kick from Joal McFarlane allowed Alex Thompson to regather and score unopposed, taking the score to 35-0 at half-time.
After some determined carries from Topo Busso, Ellis Nuttall, and George Banham, Alex Thompson spotted a gap and sprinted through to the try line making the score 40-0.
Doncaster Phoenix capitalised on a slight dip in performance from the Broomfield men, scoring three tries in quick succession within a 15-minute spell, bringing the score to 40-17.
After receiving a perfectly timed pass from Callum Dunne, Alex Thompson crossed the try line just one minute from the final whistle to complete his hat-trick.
