By Des Rolf - editor@thenewsport.com.au

A new-look senior team took to the field for the Port Douglas Crocs at the Croc Pit on Saturday, due to so many regular players either recovering from niggling injuries or being rested ahead of the Cairns AFL finals.

A swirling wind confronted the players with the Crocs having first use of the breeze.  It was immediately apparent that the Crocs would be too quick for their opponents, the bottom-of-the-table Cairns City Lions, as Sammy Boxall goaled first, followed immediately by Matty Manns.

The Crocs dominated play all over the ground and easily penetrated the Lions’ defence to set up numerous scoring opportunities.

Daniel Smith and Scott Roberts were prominent in the midfield; Brennan Beall was doing well in the ruck; and Boxall and Ben McCartney were teaming well in the forward line. 

Things looked tough for the Lions as the Crocs broke away to a six goal quarter time lead. 
 
The second quarter began much as the first had left off with Mansie kicking his third goal within thirty seconds of the bounce.
Mitch Nicholson continued to make great position and Ben Herbert was moving well at centre half back.
The Lions came into the game with two nice goals, but the Crocs continued to outrun and out-play them.  Bloomy bobbed up with a nice goal and McCartney dobbed another.
 
After the half-time interval, the match continued much in the same vein with the younger, fitter Crocs boys remaining too fleet-of-foot for the visitors.  The Crocs scoreline was marred by some inaccurate shooting for goal, but the final result was never in doubt.
 
As senior team manager Geoff Herbert commented, “The Crocs young brigade led the way in a manner which was a great sign of things to come in the future.”  This was evidenced by Jackson Brown’s great effort in front of goal finishing the day with five majors, McCartney also booting five and claiming best on ground. 
 
A most successful Ladies Day was held to coincide with the last home game at the Croc Pit before the finals.  As someone commented “sunshine, champagne and sartorial elegance and a great outcome in the footy match - what a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.”
 
Unfortunately Cairns City Lions were unable to muster a reserves team for their fixture against the unbeaten Crocs reserves.  The resultant four points to the Crocs entrenches their place at the top of the reserves ladder and puts them in good stead for a crack at this year’s flag.
 
Next week the Crocs journey to Trinity Beach for a twilight match under lights against Centrals, who were beaten by reigning premiers, Cairns Saints, by 36 points at the weekend.
Go Crocs!

Port Douglas Crocs 26-28 (184) def. Cairns City Lions 3-3 (21).
Crocs goal kickers: Ben McCartney, Jackson Brown 5;  Matty Manns 4;  Sam Boxall, Brennan Beall,  Mitch Nicholson 2.  Crocs best: Ben McCartney, Jackson Brown, Daniel Smith, Matty Manns, Brennan Beall, Brad Cooper.