Old Crossleyans RUFC

Late Penalty Ends Crocs’ Remarkable Fightback

Old Crossleyans came agonisingly close to an outstanding comeback at Goole on Saturday, recovering from 28–0 down to take the lead late in the match before a final penalty condemned them to a narrow 38–36 defeat.

The Crocs struggled to gain possession in the opening stages and a succession of penalties allowed Goole to establish control. David Teisina was yellow-carded, and Goole took advantage of their numerical superiority to build a 6–0 lead through two penalties.

A try from a cross-field kick extended the advantage before a second converted score and another penalty took the hosts to 21–0. With Max Horsfall also spending time in the sin-bin, Crossleyans faced an uphill task, and Goole added another try under the posts to make it 28–0.

The visitors finally found a response before half-time. Following a positive break from Alex Thompson, Finn Sutcliffe kicked to the corner, where Thompson finished superbly to get the Crocs on the scoreboard at 28–5.

Crossleyans returned after the interval with renewed purpose. A strong break from Horsfall helped spark the attack, and Matthew Beswick finished in the corner to reduce the deficit to 28–10. Goole responded immediately with a converted try, but the Crocs continued to press.

Beswick crossed again after a break from Chris Vine and another powerful carry from Horsfall. The comeback gathered further momentum when a huge driving maul, led by Thui Barnard, created the opportunity for debutant Jackson Sullivan to score. Sutcliffe converted to make it 35–22.

The Crocs were now playing with confidence. Excellent interplay between Josh Hunt and Vine sent Joe Gallagher through to score under the posts, with Sutcliffe adding the conversion to bring the visitors within six points.

Vine then made another impressive break as Crossleyans continued to threaten. With barely a minute remaining, Hunt gathered his own chip ahead and raced over under the posts. Sutcliffe converted to put the Crocs in front for the first time, 36–35.

There was still time for one final twist. Goole earned a penalty in the last play and kicked the points to secure a 38–36 victory.

The result was a cruel ending to an extraordinary second-half recovery. Josh Hunt was named man of the match, while debutant Sullivan made a strong impression. The Crocs will take encouragement from their attacking display, although their first-half discipline proved costly.