However, the home side scored two tries while Mark Thomas was in the sin bin and that proved decisive.

From the kick off Pontefract applied pressure which was temporarily relived by a long clearance and chase from Richard Wheale.

Pontefract continued to run hard and a missed tackle in the centres soon led to a try under the posts.

The visitors' attempts to run from deep then backfired on nine minutes as a Pontefract interception left Crocs 14-0 down.

The Broomfield side regained their composure and excellent handling by Chris Duffy and Ian Holmes enabled them to make good yards.

Interference at the breakdown led to a penalty which was kicked into touch. Veteran Mark Jowett won good lineout ball and brothers Richard and Mark Thomas linked up for Mark to finish in the corner. Holmes missed the kick.

Pontefract's fly half made some great clearances. Crocs' lineout was functioning well but a penalty for offside made it 17-5 to Pontefract.

Pontefract's ex-Bristol No 8 Derek Eves began to offload in the tackle and good interpassing in the backs made them look dangerous, but strong defence from Manny Riaz and Hammond kept them at bay.

After a series of Pontefract attacks were repelled, James Wainwright intercepted to race 75 metres to score under the posts. The conversion attempt was charged down, making the half time score 17-10.

With the wind at their backs, Crocs made good yards. Ryan Hammond made a sharp break and switched the ball inside for Wainwright to score under the posts. Holmes' kick levelled matters.

Pontefract used strong running centre Dykes to gain good field position. The referee awarded a penalty for handling in the ruck and sent Mark Thomas to the sin bin. Pontefract took the three points to make it 20-17.

Stuart Hill replaced the injured Riaz and made a instant impact with some big tackles. However, Ponte's flying winger stepped inside on a zig-zagging run for a converted try.

With 14 men, Crocs struggled to defend against the Pontefract backs who spread the ball wide for the winger to score a second try in five minutes. The kick made it 34-17.

Crocs' forwards dug deep with Richard Thomas and Chris Wood carrying the ball well. Waite made a great break but Hill couldn't hold Wain-wright's wild pass with the line open.

Crocs took a scrum against the head and Hill picked up to score but Waite failed to convert.

Waite made some excellent tactical kicks and Wood disrupted the Pontefract lineout. A tired home defence conceded two penalties which were quickly taken, resulting in a second try for Mark Thomas converted by Chris Duffy.

Crocs continued to attack until the final whistle with Jack Hammond threatening but a crucial score was not forthcoming.