Old Crossleyans RUFC

Wetherby 29 – 32 Old Crossleyans 1XV

Old Crossleyans travelled to Grange Park with a makeshift side still searching for their first win of the season. The odds were firmly against them — Wetherby were unbeaten this season and hadn’t lost at home since October 2024 — but the Crocs produced a performance full of spirit and determination to claim a memorable 32–29 victory, sealed by a stunning last-play try from man of the match Josh Hunt.

The early stages saw Wetherby on the front foot, but strong work at the breakdown from Callum Peel and committed tackling by Tom Metcalfe helped relieve the pressure. Against the run of play, a Crocs pass was intercepted after nine minutes, allowing Wetherby to score the first try of the afternoon, though the conversion was missed for a 5–0 lead.

Crocs responded well. Raman Sembi pounced on a loose ball to gain territory, and after a clean lineout, Hunt’s clever dummy forced a high tackle on Sbulelo Roji, giving Finn Sutcliffe the chance to slot over a penalty for 5–3. Another high tackle, this time on Dan Smith, brought a warning from the referee, but Sutcliffe’s longer-range effort drifted wide.

As the half wore on, Crocs began to take control. Sembi and Banham combined neatly before Darren Ali-Scott chipped through cleverly, earning a lineout deep in Wetherby’s 22. From the set piece, Hunt’s delayed pass almost sent Ali-Scott over, but he was tackled just short. A Dan Smith try was later disallowed for an alleged knock-on, leaving the score 5–3 at half-time.

The second half began disastrously for Crocs as Wetherby crossed for two quick tries within three minutes, one converted, stretching their lead to 17–3. But Old Crossleyans showed real character to hit back. After Wetherby were marched back by the referee, Hunt kicked to the corner, and from the ensuing attack, Jack Hammond’s long pass found Tom Rouse, who offloaded to Metcalfe for a well-worked try. The conversion went wide, making the score 17–8.

Crocs’ confidence grew. A fine inside ball from Hammond released Hunt, who raced clear to score, and soon after, a clean lineout take from Sembi allowed the pack to drive over for another try. With Sutcliffe adding a penalty following Wetherby’s indiscipline, the visitors led 25–17.

Wetherby hit back with a try to close the gap to 24–25, before another flowing move from their backs saw them edge ahead 29–25, the conversion striking the post.

With time almost up, Crocs refused to give in. From deep inside his own 22, Hunt kicked ahead a loose ball and chased it down, showing superb control as he dribbled forward under pressure from retreating defenders to touch down for a sensational solo try. Sutcliffe calmly added the extras to seal a dramatic 32–29 win.

A resilient, united performance — and a well-deserved first victory of the season for the Old Crossleyans.