Sat 6 Dec 2025
Old Crossleyans 1XV 23 – 10 Moortown
After last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Malton & Norton, Old Crossleyans delivered the perfect response with a gritty and disciplined performance in steady rain, securing a 23–10 victory over Moortown at Broomfield. In their first meeting of the season, the Crocs controlled the opening forty minutes and showed plenty of character when the contest tightened after the break.
The hosts began brightly, with Sam Gill punching holes through midfield and setting an early platform. A chargedown from Chris Vine nearly produced the opening try before the greasy ball slipped free, but the pressure soon told as Darren Ali-Scott nudged over a penalty—Crocs’ only successful kick of the afternoon—for a deserved 3–0 lead.
Moortown struggled to gain any foothold, and when Seb Da Silva disrupted their lineout, the Crocs countered with purpose. Another chargedown, this time from Ali-Scott, allowed Tom Rouse to chase through and slide in for the opening try. Moments later, strong counter-rucking and a mistake at the back gave Vine the chance to pounce from close range to make it 13–0.
With the pack on top, a scrum five metres out saw number eight Brockson Brown produce a powerful carry from the base, setting up Da Silva to finish and extend the halftime advantage to 18–0.
Moortown responded after the interval with two tries that narrowed the scoreline to 18–10, and the worsening conditions made controlled possession difficult for the Crocs. Territory was at a premium until a well-judged 50:22 from Jack Hammond bounced kindly for the hosts, flipping field position and swinging momentum back their way.
From the ensuing lineout, Dan Smith powered through to score the crucial bonus-point try, giving Crossleyans breathing room heading into the final minutes. Moortown pressed late on, but the home defence stood resolute before the ball was hammered into touch to confirm a deserved victory.
With confidence renewed and a derby atmosphere looming, Crossleyans will head into next weekend’s home clash with Old Brodleians ready for another big performance in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd.
