Brodleians see off rivals to end streak

Both sides were on unfavourable runs, with Brods having lost their last six and Old Crossleyans their last five. Throwing the added tension of a derby into the mix was always going to make it a tight contest and so it proved.

With the hosts playing down the slope, home prop Jonjo Ward grabbed the first score from close range and Danny Wood converted. Crossleyans hit back with a lively spell of possession and drew level with a try from a mis-move, Ed Cockroft converting and then adding a penalty to put the visitors 10-7 up.

Brods came back to gain a 14-10 half-time lead when, after a few phases, centre Rob Jennings scored. Crossleyans’ lead was restored following a neat break by captain James Wainwright which resulted in a try for centre Jack Hammond which Cockroft again converted.

Trailing 17-14, Brods regrouped once more and produced the winning score going into the final quarter.

Full-back Adam Standeven charged down a kick which bounced neatly into his hands and he touched down out wide.

The visitors threw everything at them in search of a score but Brods controlled the ball well to earn a much-needed victory.