Sat 20 Dec 2025
Pocklington 26 – 21 Old Crossleyans 1XV
Old Crossleyans completed their final fixture of 2025 with a narrow 26–21 defeat away at second-placed Pocklington at Featherstone Field, earning a losing bonus point for their efforts.
Facing a young, athletic Pocklington side who had beaten the Crocs earlier in the season, the visitors made changes, with Finbar Drennan returning to the back row, Sam Gill slotted into the midfield, and Matthew Beswick returned to the wing. The hosts struck first, powering over from a maul after six minutes, and added a second in similar fashion to lead 14–0 inside the opening quarter, exploiting early scrum dominance.
Despite the setback, the Crocs refused to fold. Strong defence, notably from James Johnson and Tom Rouse, kept the score in check, and the visitors found a foothold through direct running from Gill and Sbulelo Roji. The breakthrough came when Darren Ali-Scott released Joe Greenwood out wide for a well-finished try, converted by Johnson.
Moments later, skipper Tom Metcalf was forced off with a worrying knee injury, but the Crocs rallied superbly. Quick thinking from Chris Vine at a tap penalty, followed by sharp handling between Jack Hammond and Joel Macfarlane, sent Macfarlane under the posts to level the scores at 14–14 at the break.
Pocklington edged ahead early in the second half, but heroic goal-line defence and a try ruled out kept the Crocs alive. The forwards then took charge, grinding downfield before sustained pressure eventually told, allowing Vine to step inside the final defender to score, Johnson converting to make it 21–21 with 15 minutes remaining.
A late Pocklington score ultimately broke the deadlock, but drama followed in the final play. With the Crocs camped on the line and victory in sight, the whistle went the other way, ending a thrilling comeback in the cruellest of fashions.
Joe Greenwood was named man of the match. The Crocs return to play at Broomfield on 10 January, hosting Selby.
