RYAN Hammond capped a great Crocs fightback with a late, late winning try in this North Two East game.
The Broomfield men trailed 22-7 at half time in a match they were expected to win against rivals four places below them in the table.
Crocs, who brought in Stuart Hill when Mark Thomas failed a fitness test, survived early pressure and took the lead when Joel Hinchliffe made a break and winger James Wainwright raced in under the posts, Joel Hinchliffe converting.
Some sustained Crossleyans attacks followed but Gateshead gradually got back into the game and replied with a try by fullback Tate, again under the posts and converted by Clarke.
Crossleyans continued to make handling mistakes and Gateshead capitalised when winger Carr, who had an excellent game, broke clear and sent fly half Simpson in for a simple try, again converted by Clarke.
Clarke added a penalty after a charged down kick and Crocs' miserable first half was completed when poor midfield defending led to Clarke crossing. He was unable to convert.
After a vigorous half time talk by coaches Jonathan Davies and Chris Jones, Crossleyans looked much more positive. Tony Waite put in some big clearances, the backs ran with more purpose and the forwards began to get the upper hand.
After Crocs forced a scrum close to the Gateshead line, Joel Hinchliffe kicked a penalty.
The ball was knocked on after a good run from Adam Hinchliffe but a Terry Michael interception try and Joel Hinchliffe goal made it 17-22.
Richard Thomas came on at prop and the injured Tony Waite was replaced by Jack Hammond, who went to full back with Chris Seymour moving to fly half.
After a Gateshead attack was thwarted by a good Andy Day tackle, Crocs worked their way back into the opposition 22 and the forwards drove over, Mark Jowett getting the try. Joel Hinchliffe was unable to convert but Crocs were level at 22-22.
Carr took advantage of some indifferent Crocs tackling to go over for Clarke to convert but Stuart Hill made an excellent break and the supporting Ryan Hammond scored in the corner. Joel Hinchliffe's good kick made it 29 -29 with 10 minutes to go.
A period of stalemate included a good run by Jack Hammond and some first class rucking by Richard Thomas, when Gateshead threatened.
With time almost up, Shane Davies attacked and Wainwright fed Ryan Hammond to enable him to go over for Joel Hinchliffe to convert.

* Crossleyans seconds had an excellent win at Grassington where tries by Dan Bancroft and Ian Holmes helped to secure a 13-8 victory over a strong Wharfedale Third XV.