A brave fightback looked set to see Crocs snatch the points, but a moment of indiscipline led to them squandering the chance
After pulling back to within two points, the visitors were awarded a penalty in a kickable position but before the kick co
uld be taken a melee broke out which resulted in a yellow card for Richard Thomas, a red card for Matt Horne and the penalty being reversed.
York took full advantage against the 13 men, wingman Epeli Cakaunitabua breaking clear from his own 22 and crossing under the posts to seal the victory.
That ended a frustrating afternoon which had seen Crocs battle back after a poor start.
York were first on the scoreboard via a Nic Ventress penalty, but this was cancelled out after 15 minutes when a couple of typical James Wainwright runs were followed by a forward drive which caused York to infringe under the posts.
Chris Duffy landed the penalty off the post, but it was a brief respite as the home side seemed to be able to establish overlaps and 'two on ones' almost at will, and aided by Crossleyans inability to retain possession they crossed for two tries in the first half.
The first by No 8 Andy Kay and the second by wingman Oli Halliday though neither try was converted.
However, a rare Old Crossleyan attack saw York scramble the ball clear only for Shane Davis, Richard Thomas and Manny Riaz to combine in a movement which culminated in Riaz crossing in the corner to pull it back to 13-8 at the break.
But the second half started no better than the first for Crossleyans as the mistakes continued, and York took advantage when wing forward Lee Denham went over for Nic Ventress to convert and take the score to 20-8.
But with a stiff breeze now with them, Crocs fought back and Duffy converted a penalty, before good kicking out of defence by Hammond and some hard work by the forwards then put Chris Seymour over for a try which Duffy converted.
But that indiscipline then cost them dear, and Cakaunitabua crossed to seal victory.
