Leaders Crocs march on but Halifax pay for yellow cards in Shield reverse
YORKSHIRE ONE leaders Old Crossleyans made it six wins on the spin with a 34-13 win at Leodiensians.
Bill Hammond powered over for the first score, converted by Joe Gallgher but Leos were back on level terms soon after when Ashley Britton crossed for a converted try.
The Crocs hit back with a try from debutant James Johnson, goaled from the touchline by Gallagher, only for the hosts to get back to within a point with two penalties.
Leos’ indiscipline resulted in Gallagher kicking a penalty of his own to make it 17-13 at the break and his side went on to dominate the second half.
Gallagher’s penalty started the ball rolling and Billy Hammond then raced over from 30 metres out to make it 27-13.
Matty Beswick found space to break clear before calmly releasing Johnson ofr his second try and the all-important try bonus point.
Gallagher again added the extras to round off the scoring and an impressive win.
■ Halifax travelled to Knaresborough looking to make progress in the Yorkshire Four
Shield but they suffered a 29-14 loss.
Halifax got off to a great start when Nick Lodge scored after six minutes and captain Callum Bowmer tagged on the conversion.
The visitors held onto their lead until the closing stages of the first half when the hosts crossed to make it 7-5 at the interval.
Halifax started the second period in the same manner as the first, scoring a try through veteran vice captain and man of the match West, goaled by Maude, to make it 14-5.
The visiting side remained on top in the set piece but the turning point came when Nick Elvidge who was excellent in his old position in the back row received a yellow card, quickly followed by another for Craig Heppenstall.
The home backs took full advantage of the extra players and scored 19 points while Halifax were under-strength.
Back to a full complement, Halifax chased the game but were caught by another break and the game finished 29-14.
Halifax entertain Leeds Modernians this Saturday (3pm).