Sat 3 Oct 2026, 15:00
Old Crossleyans 1XV 34 – 22 Old Rishworthians
Crocs Secure First Counties 1 Victory
Old Crossleyans secured their first Counties 1 Yorkshire victory of the season with a 34–22 win over neighbours Old Rishworthians at Broomfield on Saturday.
With seven changes to the starting XV from the previous week due to player availability, the Crocs made an excellent start and were immediately on the front foot. An early penalty was kicked to the corner and, after a clean lineout and strong carry from Max Horsfall, Matthew Beswick did well to finish in the corner. The conversion was missed.
Crossleyans continued to dominate possession, with Horsfall making further ground and the scrum providing a strong platform. A powerful driving maul, led by Topo Busso, then created space for Joshua Walker to release Alex Thompson, who broke through to score under the posts. Finn Sutcliffe converted to make it 12–0.
Rishworthians gradually worked their way into the match and began to enjoy longer periods of possession. Crossleyans defended well, but a series of penalties eventually gave the visitors the opportunity to reduce the deficit with a try. The conversion was missed, leaving the Crocs 12–7 ahead at half-time.
Rishworthians added a penalty early in the second half to make it 12–10, but Crossleyans responded quickly.
Strong carries from David Teisina and Busso set up another attacking opportunity, with a rolling maul taking the ball towards the line. Jack Hammond emerged with the ball to score in the corner, and Sutcliffe produced an excellent touchline conversion to make it 19–10.
Crossleyans continued to press. Thompson threatened with another break and Josh Hunt went close to scoring before the Crocs were awarded a penalty, which Sutcliffe converted to extend the lead to 22–10.
The scrum was again influential in creating the next score. Harry Drennan made the initial break before the ball was recycled quickly and Sutcliffe found Horsfall on his inside. The number six powered through to score under the posts, with Sutcliffe adding the conversion for 29–10.
Rishworthians responded with a try to make it 29–15, but Crossleyans restored their advantage through another strong maul. Cameron Brannan finished in the corner, although the conversion was missed.
The visitors added a late try to close the gap to 34–22, but Crossleyans managed the closing stages well to secure a deserved victory.
Horsfall was named man of the match after an influential performance, while the Crocs scrum and driving maul provided a strong foundation throughout. The five-point victory opens the Crocs’ league account and gives them plenty of confidence heading into next Saturday’s home fixture against Yarnbury.
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