And the visitors' chase went from bad to worse when they lost key men Cook, who gave a catch to short extra cover, and Ryan ten Doeschate, run out for 22 after a direct hit by Hildreth, with the score on 33.
Then Wes Durston, playing his first Championship match of the season after James Hildreth withdrew with a chest infection, was caught behind off a defensive edge to his second delivery.
Croft's downfall, caught by Hildreth at second slip off Caddick, sparked a rapid end to proceedings as the last three wickets went down for 18 runs, with Alex Wharf unable to bat.