Sat 29 Nov 2025, 14:15
Brave but Blunt Crocs Struggle in the Storm at Malton
Malton and Norton 32 – 5 Old Crossleyans 1XV
Old Crossleyans arrived at The Gannock with confidence after three wins in four, but dreadful conditions and a patched-up squad combined to make it a day to forget as they fell 32–5 to Malton & Norton.
With heavy rain from kickoff and the floodlights on early, handling errors were inevitable, yet the Crocs started brightly. A superb take from Darren Ali-Scott and a slicing counter-attack put Matt Beswick away for the game’s opening try after five minutes. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got.
Malton responded with two converted tries and two penalties, their fly-half striking the ball cleanly and missing only one attempt all afternoon, to take a 20–5 lead into the break. Old Crossleyans defended doggedly, holding Malton up over the line and competing fiercely at the breakdown, but struggled to escape their own half or build sustained possession.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Desperate defence from Brown, Da Silva and Metcalf kept the score down, but Malton eventually broke through out wide twice more to seal a deserved win.
For the Crocs, this was a reminder that performances hinge on how you turn up on the day. With two crucial home fixtures ahead, they will look to regroup quickly.
