Sat 22 Nov 2025
Old Crossleyans 1XV 29 – 27 Bradford Salem
Old Crossleyans claimed their third win of the season with a narrow 29–27 success over Bradford Salem at Broomfield, surviving a frantic final ten minutes with only 13 men on the field. Salem arrived in strong form after four straight wins, including a notable victory over fourth-placed Morley the week before.
Despite the visitors’ momentum, it was the Crocs who opened the brighter. Early pressure forced a series of Salem penalties—several for high tackles—and a strong carry from Joe Greenwood, supported by sharp link play from Jack Hammond and Chris Vine, created the opening for Jacob Pollard to score untouched. The conversion drifted wide, but Crocs led 5–0.
Salem responded through their powerful midfield, and a well-executed dummy put their lock under the posts for 5–7. Crossleyans defended well in the following exchanges, with Tom Metcalf and Brockson Brown particularly busy. After being held up over the line during a promising spell, the Crocs were stripped in possession and punished by a long-range penalty, falling to 5–10.
Salem then spilled the ball shortly after the restart, giving Crocs an almost immediate chance. A penalty awarded near the breakdown allowed Callum Dunne to cut the deficit to 8–10. Another Salem penalty followed shortly after, extending their lead to 8–13.
Crossleyans regained control before the break. A loose ball was snapped up by Seb Da Silva to relieve pressure, and with the scrum now on top, momentum shifted. On the stroke of half-time, Darren Ali-Scott powered through from distance for an excellent solo try, converted by Dunne, putting the Crocs ahead 15–13.
The second half continued at a physical pace. A quick tap from Vine launched another attack, and after a series of close-range carries, Da Silva forced his way over near the posts. James Johnson added the extras for 22–13.
Salem’s discipline faltered again with another yellow card for a high tackle, and Crocs capitalised. Hammond’s neat inside ball released Ali-Scott, who fought his way over for his second, stretching the lead to 29–13.
The closing minutes were tense. A red card for Crossleyans, followed by a yellow, left them with 13 men as Salem scored twice to close to 29–27. In the final passage, Salem spilled the ball under pressure, allowing Vine to clear to touch and seal a hard-earned win.
Crocs now head to Malton & Norton with renewed confidence.
