Sat 10 Oct 2026
Old Crossleyans 1XV 37–34 Yarnbury
Thompson’s Last-Play Try Seals Five-Point Crocs Victory
Old Crossleyans secured a second consecutive home victory in Counties 1 Yorkshire on Saturday, edging out Yarnbury 37–34 at Broomfield with an Alex Thompson try in the final play of the match.
Following a minute’s silence in memory of Gary Pollard, the Crocs made a positive start. Matthew Beswick finished in the corner after good attacking play, although the conversion struck the post. Yarnbury responded with a converted try before strong carries from Sam Gill and Max Horsfall helped create the opportunity for Thompson to score in the corner and restore the Crocs’ lead at 10–7.
Yarnbury then took advantage of a penalty try to move 14–10 ahead. Crossleyans responded through their powerful scrum, with carries from Thui Barnard and George Hammond setting up another attack. Thompson crossed for his second try from close range, and Finn Sutcliffe converted to put the hosts 17–14 in front. Yarnbury scored again before the break to lead 21–17 at half-time.
Crossleyans regained the advantage early in the second half when Joshua Walker broke from scrum-half and found Boj Sembi on his inside. Sembi powered through to score, with Sutcliffe adding the conversion. Joe Gallagher then kicked a penalty following excellent work at the breakdown from Gill to extend the lead to 27–21.
Discipline proved costly, with Crossleyans receiving three yellow cards, two in the first half and one after the interval. Yarnbury capitalised, scoring twice to turn a six-point deficit into a 31–27 lead.
The Crocs continued to press. After a strong carry from David Teisina, Josh Hunt’s kick ahead was gathered by Beswick, who finished in the corner to edge Crossleyans back in front at 32–31. A Yarnbury penalty then put the visitors ahead again at 34–32.
With the result still in doubt, Crossleyans mounted one final attack. Sustained pressure from the forwards brought them close to the line before Thompson crossed in the corner in the final play, completing his hat-trick and securing a 37–34 victory. The conversion was missed, but the Crocs had done enough to claim the win.
The result gives Crossleyans five league points, including a four-try bonus point, following last week’s 34–22 win over Old Rishworthians. Despite the disciplinary setbacks, the Crocs showed considerable determination to maintain their winning start at Broomfield.
