by Pat Barnett

A win over the Saints at their home ground of Griffiths Park has always been a rare and cherished occasion for the Port Douglas Crocs, let alone dominating in both grades.

But that's exactly what happened in the CAFL on the weekend for the first time since 2005.

In the seniors, the Sherrin was hotly contested with both teams determined to be first to the footy.

Even with a breeze and a drizzle of rain that made kicking accuracy quite a challenge, it was the Crocs midfield that showed class with Caydn Beetham, Daniel Smith and Paul Minchington once again leading the way.

But as the game progressed and things got a little physical, it was the enforcers of Kane Ubergang, Gareth Delany and Daniel Harris that helped keep them on top.

The absence of Saints full forward, Matt Walsh, was a massive set back for the home team, and the effectiveness of Crocs captain Evan Hocking in the backline was sensational once again, setting up attacking forays which ultimately landed in the hands of full forward, Matt Shaw. His five goals for the day has stretched his league goal kicking lead to 54, seven more than Walsh.

Final score were Port Douglas Crocs 19.21.135 defeated Cairns Saints 6.10.46.

In the magoos, after last week's loss to the Hawks and a mid season review by the entire coaching staff, it left coach Leigh Marriot to make some tough decisions through the week.  Changes were made and were immediately vindicated when the team responded with unbridled enthusiasm on the field.

The Saints came out swinging at the start of the first term, but they had no answer for the big hands of Benny Herbert and Jimmy Astill who held most contested marks and provided some much needed structure to the Crocs game.

Ryan Worn was at his usual best, Matty Mitchell was massively effective with his disposals and Kerrod Andrews showed how lethal he could be through the packs making the game an exciting one to watch. The Crocs victorious 10.5. 65 to 5.5. 35.

It appears pointless trying to beat The Crocs at anything at the moment, as their winning ways continued at their $4000 reverse draw at the Croc Pit on Sunday.

Suspense grew and dreams were shattered as each ball was drawn. With the crowd taking a collective breath of anticipation as the second to last ball rolled out,  the realisation of the winner being the Croc's holiday fund saw players "run around in circles screaming like nutters" (thanks for that quote SuperSal).

Bodies were tossed in the air like rag dolls and chants rang out showing that they really are a team of mates.

Well done boys, and have a great holiday in Bali.