L 17-10

By Charlie Hopper

Scarborough RUFC’s difficult start to the season continued after they were edged out 17-10 by fellow strugglers Old Crossleyans on a wet afternoon in Halifax.

Boosted by the return of a few regular faces, it was Scarborough who found themselves behind after both sides had made a cagey start to the match. Joel MacFarlane stepped up to kick the penalty and give his side an early lead. Fly-half Connor Ward then kicked his first penalty just minutes later to level up the game at 3-3. Old Crossleyans came fighting back and after building the phases close to the try line, they made the pressure count. Scoring a converted try under the posts to open up a 10-3 advantage. The home side continued to look dangerous and were close to adding a second try of the match, but the winger dropped the ball as he looked set to score in the corner. In the 33^rd minute, Drew Govier’s side went in search of a much needed try but made an error close to their oppositions try line.

In need of an immediate response after half-time, Scarborough levelled up the match at 10-10 in the 46^th minute. The scrum, which had caused Old Crossleyans problems all afternoon, picked up momentum before Will Mann collected and bundled his way over the line. Attack then turned into defence for the Silver Royd outfit as they had to weather a difficult storm to keep on level terms. Firstly, Old Crossleyans went close but a knock-on halted their progress then Scarborough won a penalty on their own line to ease the pressure. They were reduced to 14 men in the 58^th minute after Ropeti Ropeti was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. The home side used the man advantage and took control of the match with just over ten minutes to go. They scored under the posts and the referee showed Tom Read a yellow card to leave Scarborough trailing 17-10 and down to 13 men. The visitors pushed hard late on to find a way back into the match but struggling to work their way through a strong Old Crossleyans defence.

It’s a break from league action next weekend, as Matty Jones’ side welcome Regional One North East outfit Sandal to Silver Royd in the Yorkshire Cup.