Another 50-point haul for Crocs

The hosts’ first choice pitch had not recovered from the battering it had taken during their semi-final victory in the National Vase the previous weekend, so they took the game over the road to their second choice.

It was a decision they may have regretted as the firmer surface provided the Crocs with an opportunity to display their running skills and notch up more than 50 points for the third game in succession.

It was not all about open running rugby though; the platform for this victory and a try bonus point in the quest for promotion was cemented by their aggressive defence, which had the home side’s large forwards blowing and bruised from early on.

From the moment Mark Boothroyd charged over for the first of the visitors’ nine tries there was only going to be one winner.

Skipper Jack Hammond led the way with a hat-trick, followed by Freddie Walker with another brace and one apiece for Gareth Sweeney, Joe Stott and Iain Davies. The goal kicking duties were shared. Callum Dunne converted four tries while Joe Gallagher and Stott had one success each.

The first half provided the Crocs with 31 points and the defence ensured that Wath never threatened the scoreboard.

A further 14 points were added shortly after the break before the home side registered their opening score.

Two further tries were scored by both sides, Wath’s typically from a catch and drive at the line out while Crocs’ scores were both long range efforts from deep in their own half.

The area of concern for the visitors will be the line out, which didn’t function as effectively as in recent weeks.

It will require some remedial treatment before next Saturday’s crunch home game against Barnsley, who were 29-0 home winners against Old Grovians yesterday and have five points fewer than Crocs in thircd place.

HALIFAX Vandals’ return to Yorkshire Three has been confirmed and they look certain to finish bottom of Yorkshire Two after yesterday’s 47-10 defeat at Ripon.