Crocswallop - Junior AFL wrap
Thursday 7 April 2011
Crocswallop - Junior AFL wrap
by Jo Westgate
What a great round of first home games for 2011. It was great to see so many people at the Sports Complex to cheer on our juniors. The kids love it, the club loves it and it really gives everyone involved a real boost.
Under 8s
The Under 8s, playing with there largest number for the season, showed what they were made of kicking nine goals in front of their home crowd. The boys and girls played with as much energy and enthusiasm as past weeks resulting in a very even contest with the Crocs and North Cairns Black matching each other in all departments.
Play constantly went from end to end with both sides kicking goal for goal. Scott Cooper was the leading goal kicker again this week with three majors, Cameron Nyko kicked two and other goals were shared between Dean Laurance, Harry Walker, Jake Sherwell and ever reliable Geneva Gilbert.
Scott was the recipient of the Round 4 player of the day medal who was tireless in his efforts Macca’s Awards went to newcomer Sienna Dew, and Jesse Bourguignon, the Foodworks most improved player was Dean Laurence who played another great game for the Crocs.
Under 10s
The Under 10s played their first match on home soil for 2011. The boys put on a great display of football and have really started to come into their own. Jacob Rich kicked his first six pointer for the year as did Dillon who booted a great snap in front of goal.
Ryan and Reuben once again used the ball to the Crocs advantage constantly driving the ball out of the centre up to our forward line allowing the boys to once again kick a swag of goals.
Rory, Leon and Toby worked well together in the forward zone. Great defensive work from Daniel, Jack, Tyson and Anthony restricted North Cairns’ chances of kicking for goal. Club medal winner for the match was Ryan Bouguignon and the footy went to Reuben Allison. Other award winners were Bryce Bakker and Casey West.
Under 12s
Port Douglas 6-12-48 def Centrals Red 5-4-34
The home crowd was on its feet as Port Douglas fought a close battle against the Bulldogs. The Crocs failed to make the most of their scoring opportunities in the first half having 17 scoring shots to the Bulldogs four.
The half time break saw the Crocs 3-8-26 to Centrals Red 2-4-16 giving the Crocs a 10 point advantage going into the third quarter.
The second half was an even affair with both sides booting three goals. Strong defence by Centrals and very windy conditions made it hard for the Crocs to kick accurately booting four points in the second half making a total of 12 behinds for the match.
The Crocs were a much stronger and much more disciplined team on the day and the scoreboard did not really reflect their team effort and commitment to the game. Brayden Wall was our main goal kicker with four for the match.
Awards went to Brayden, Finn and Tom. Coach Darren Wall was pleased with the overall performance of the 12s and made special mention to Charlie and Ben who showed great courage and skills insuring that the Crocs got over the line.
Round 4 Ladder
1. Lions B 6
2. Hawks 6
3. Centrals B 4
4. Souths 4
5. Power F 4
6. Saints K 4
7. Norths 4
8. Port D 2
9. Centrals R 2
10. Lions M 0
11. Power P 0
12. Saints C 0
Under 14s
North Cairns 7-13-55 def Port Douglas 2-3-15.
The Port Douglas Crocs played host to the North Cairns Tigers competing for the annual Rick Brown Memorial Cup the perpetual trophy acknowledges the valuable contribution Rick Brown made to both clubs on and off the field.
Under the capable direction of newly appointed coach Pat Barnett (Welcome aboard Pat) and once again with the help of many Under 12s who were keen to play full field footy, the Crocs were able to match numbers with the Tigers as well as have a few sets of fresh legs on the bench for the first time this season.
In the first quarter the crocs over enthusiasm saw them lack basic skills and poor execution of the ball saw quite a few unforced errors. A few words of wisdom from Pat at quarter time saw the boys return to the field with a new found focus which soon resulted in points on the board.
Blustery conditions made it difficult to find friendly targets and even harder to kick truly in front of goal. Nonetheless the boys gave it their all and left the field with their heads held high knowing they had a real crack at it. Browny would have been proud of them all.
Louie Ganaia’s tireless efforts throughout the match were rewarded with the Crocs Shirt. Macca’s Awards went to Giles Hanly and Brady Stewart. Thanks once again to all those that assisted with match duties ensuring that the game ran smoothly. Also thanks to all the spectators who hung around for what was a very late match.
Round 4 Ladder
1. Lions 16
2. Saints 12
3. Centrals 8
4. Hawks 8
5. Norths 8
6. Souths 8
7. Power 4
8. Port D 0
Under 16s
Hawks 8-5-56 def Port Douglas 5-7-37
With Jack Goodall missing due to representative commitments and once again with a full bench we went into the match as under dogs with Hawks and Centrals being the only undefeated sides so far this season.
The Crocs played well in the first quarter with great defensive work keeping the Hawks to 2-2 with our forwards booting 1-3. Going into the second quarter with only a five point buffer the Hawks dominated early kicking two goals four with the Crocs only managing to kick two behinds.
The third quarter saw the Crocs steady booting three unanswered goals and keeping the Hawks scoreless for the quarter. The final term was a close encounter with the Hawks managing to slip away kicking two goals one to the Crocs one major.
The Crocs played a strong match all over the ground just a few lapses in concentration in the second and final terms was the difference between a win and a loss
Micheal Mckeown was once again the highest possession earner receiving the Best on Ground Award; Alex Forbes was strong in defence as always sending the ball back into the centre on numerous occasions.
Westy played well around the ground taking a couple of great grabs and also featuring amongst the awards.
Brett Mckeown showed that he wouldn’t be out done by his older brother seeing plenty of the leather and being amongst the award winners also. This week we come up against the Souths who have not had a win either this season so it should be a good even game.
Round 3 Ladder
1. Centrals 6
2. Hawks 6
3. Power 4
4. Norths 2
5. Souths 0
6. Port D 0
7. Lions 0
