Saturday was no disappointment in the entertainment stakes with the Croc Pit sporting an unforgettable clash with Cairns Saints football and Netball teams.

The Saints teams made the trek up the highway to challenge our regions finest Netballers and Footballers for what should become an annual event.

With the Netballers and reserve Grade kicking off at about the same time there was no shortage of activity during the day.

For the reserves it was a big hill to climb, with the Saints 2’s on top of the ladder.  The reserves had to go out and earn second spot.

After some strong, yet not greatly challenged wins, the Res's were confident in themselves but unfortunately even with some exceptional efforts from individuals it was to no real surprise that it would not be enough to step over Saints again.

Although there were some brilliant stages of play from the reserves the final score left them behind by a fair margin Saints 14.8 92 to 6.9.45.  But at the end of the day the team has come together and pushing hard to keep close for a decent assault on the finals.

With what has been touted as the precursor to the CAFL Grand Final it was always going to be a tough fight.  So the Cairns Saints showed up to play real footy.

But by the end of the first quarter you would not have been criticized for thinking that it was going to be an easy day as the Crocs led by 5 goals in an uncharacteristic fast start.

Unfortunately by half time the Saints had found some fight and had wrestled the Crocs lead back to a measly 5 points!  With the challenge certainly laid down for the boys and an Andy Viola “pep” talk the Crocs came back out swinging with the usual culprits, Paul Minchington and Matty Shaw peppering the goals with a little more fire in the belly than usual. 

Luke Bloom and Daniel Fisher spent the day making life hard for the Saints as well as Dan Smith who just appeared everywhere and without a doubt Brennan Beal used his massive reach to provide a solid target up forward.

By the final siren it was clear to see the Saints had brought an awesome fight that commanded respect to the Pit and our Crocs responded accordingly, not much more can be said about what finished as the narrowest winning margin of the season but a win none the less. Final score was Crocs 13. 16. 109 to a Saints 13.8. 86.

This week The Crocs are off to test the air at Cazaly’s against Hawks. No doubt with their tails up after a strong win against South’s they will be looking for a home ground advantage to see how they will shape up for September.

Also with Matt Shaws goal tally right up at 88 for the year, will this weekend see him get the ton?