Ponte have been the entertainers in this league so far, but with a team showing numerous changes, they had to grind out a win against old foes Crocs, who are battling to avoid relegation.

Before the game a respectful minutes silence was observed for our friend Steve Taylor who passed away last week. He was a regular and popular visitor to Moor Lane and we will miss him. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. We would like to thank the Crossleyans Team and referee Alun Ross for their support with this.

Ponte nearly opened their account in the opening minutes with a sharp break from centre Sam Gilbert. The breakthrough soon came however as captain fantastic Brodie Matthews picked and drove his way over the line, for a try converted by Liam Kay.

The visitors soon replied, as good hands after some forward drives allowed an unconverted try for Callum Dunne out wide. This was followed by sustained pressure from the Croc’s driving mauls which if they persevered may have been more successful. The only score for the rest of the half though, was a Kay penalty, following an electric break from Josh Milthorpe.

Crocs missed a couple of long-range penalties after the break but gathered a converted try as a speculative grubber through bounced kindly for their winger Hunt to go under the posts for a two-point advantage.

Ponte tried to play their expansive game, but the clinical finishing seen of late, deserted them. The result was finally decided by a magnificent penalty from the halfway line from Kay. Crocs had further chances and pressured the line winning a penalty which appeared eminently kickable. To the Ponte faithful's relief they spurned the opportunity to gain three points and kicked for the corner. In the end Ponte were able to steal the ball and hoof it in touch for the final whistle to sound.

In truth it was a largely forgettable game but it was a close affair and could have gone either way. With regulars, such as man of the match Kay, Lucas Ketteridge, Andy Lund and Will Cooke standing tall, it was a great effort to get the win and to give experience to new faces like Luke Townsend, Dec Lewis and Tom Greensmith.

The 1st XV have another weekend off now and return to action away at Goole on March 1st. The 2nd XV are due to travel to Hunslet Wolves RUFC next Saturday.

Finally we send our commiserations to Tim Williamson's U14 squad who were knocked out of the Yorkshire Cup by Sandal today. Bad luck lads and we are proud of your achievement of reaching the semi final.