Old Crossleyans RUFC

Crocs Defeated by Stunning Halfway-Line Penalty

With the season entering its crucial final stages and just four games remaining, the Crocs faced a vital fixture without several key players. Alex Thompson and Seb De Silva were sidelined with concussions, George Banham was serving a suspension, Chris Vine was away skiing, and both Raman Sembi and James Cooper were out due to injury.

The available players delivered a strong performance on the heavy pitch, in a tightly contested match that could have gone either way.

Urged on by their home crowd, Pontefract broke the deadlock 15 minutes in, taking a 7-0 lead. Crocs’ first real attacking opportunity came at the 20-minute mark when James Johnson pounced on a loose ball, allowing Finn Sutcliffe to send a cross-field kick towards Hunt. However, the kick had a bit too much weight, and Hunt was unable to regather.

Excellent work at the breakdown by Sbulelo Roji won Crocs possession, sparking an attacking move. Powerful carries from Joal McFarlane and Man of the Match, Topo Busso, forced a Pontefract penalty, allowing Crocs to kick to the corner. Quick hands from the backline created just enough space for Callum Dunne to dive over in the corner for an unconverted try, narrowing the score to 7-5.

Both teams let their tempers flare, but Crocs paid the price as Pontefract capitalized with a penalty, extending their lead to 10-5 at halftime.

Early in the second half, strong ball carries from Crocs, particularly by Ellis Nuttall, put Pontefract under pressure, leading to a penalty for off-the-feet play at the ruck. However, James Johnson's penalty attempt fell just short.

Veteran forward Boj Sembi entered the fray and immediately made his presence felt with strong tackles and powerful ball carries. James Johnson had another penalty attempt, but his kick drifted just wide. Pontefract’s clearance then found its way into the hands of Finn Sutcliffe, who sent a well-placed grubber through for Hunt to regather and score a converted try. This put Crocs in the lead for the first time, 10-12.

An infringement by Crocs in midfield with just 10 minutes remaining gave Pontefract's fly-half, Liam Kay, the chance to line up a long-range kick. To the surprise of the Crocs supporters, Kay struck a wonder kick that sailed over the posts, putting Pontefract back in the lead 13-12.

Crocs had their chances to claim victory in the dying moments. Choosing to kick to the corner instead of attempting a penalty, they came within metres of Pontefract's try line. However, the ball was eventually stolen and kicked to touch, securing a fortunate victory for Pontefract.