Victory at Driffield could have brought safety, but they continued their recent poor form and slipped to defeat, meaning next Saturday's last game of the season against York at Broomfield becomes all important.

However, there was no lack of effort or indeed creativity from Crocs who defended well and created a number of chances, and a similar level of commitment next week could well bring them that vital win.

Driffield kicked off with a strong wind in their favour and took the lead with a penalty after six minutes.

The visitors tried to hit back and after Tony Waite's strong run Richard Thomas was stopped just short.

Play was soon back in the visitors' half but Driffield failed to take advantage of two more penalties and with Manny Riaz, Chris Wood and Richard Thomas all prominent, the Crocs defence held firm and it stayed at 3-0 up to the break.

With the elements in their favour, a Crossleyans surge was expected but it was Driffield who mounted an early attack, outflanking the defence on the right to take a 10 point lead.

But Crocs were far from beaten and a scrum wheel provided an opportunity after Waite kicked deep, and when Jonathan Davies ran onto a Thomas pass a try was only just prevented.

A subsequent penalty seemed to have given the visitors their first points, with both touch judges signalling that Duffy had kicked the goal, but the referee, who was well positioned, overruled them.

James Wainwright was stopped just short of the line as the visitors continued to press, and Jack Hammond let the ball run loose as he dived over under the posts.

Hammond cut through again, then veteran Andy Day came close, and finally the deserved try came when Chris Wood scored by the posts, Davies converting.

However, as a number of injury stoppages broke the pattern of play, Crocs paid for trying to keep the ball alive and the home side scored two decisive tries to produce a final scoreline which did little justice to Crocs' efforts.