By Kerry Larsen

The business end of the football codes is in full swing this weekend, with local teams in the thick of the action.

The Douglas Reef Raiders enter the Cairns and District Rugby Union final series after finishing the regular season in fourth place on the ladder, despite a 10-point loss to the JCU Mariners last weekend.

The Raiders are looking to field a strong team against the third-placed Barron Trinity Bulls in tomorrow’s minor semi-final double header at West Barlow Park, the winner going through to next week’s preliminary final against the loser of the later game between the Mariners and Southside Crusaders.

Meanwhile, round 19 of the Cairns AFL will see the Port Douglas Crocs rest some key players in the lead-up to finals when they host bottom-placed Cairns City Lions at Port Douglas Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.

The Crocs are currently sitting in second place on the ladder, but cannot be complacent against the Lions, as the third-placed and reigning premiers, Cairns Saints, breathe down their necks with the barest of percentage difference on the ladder and will be keen to try to claim second spot when they play fourth-placed Centrals Trinity Beach.

The final home game at the Croc Pit is also Ladies Day, with the undefeated Crocs reserves playing at 1pm, the seniors at 3pm.

Meanwhile, the Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks are hoping for a legion of fans to turn out to Mossman Showgrounds on Saturday night for their final home game of the season when they take on Innisfail.

The Sharks will also have to be wary of the Leprechauns, who are looking to post a big offensive effort to leap into the top five for a finals bid and hope some fixtures go their way.

Lastly, the Douglas United Dragons will have a rest with the bye this weekend after last Friday’s 2-1 win over Hmong Cairns. Next week they will travel to Cairns to play Marlin Coast where they will be ready to atone for a loss earlier in the season.