by Des Rolfe

Port Douglas Crocs and Centrals Trinity beach clashed in an extremely exciting encounter at the Croc Pit on Saturday.  

In a see-sawing, nail-biting tussle the scores were close all day and the outcome was in doubt until the final siren.  The match commenced in quite cool conditions and in the first quarter particularly, the renowned Crocs game plan went missing.  

Due to the unrelenting pressure applied Centrals got on top all over the ground.  The quarter time score reflected the game.  Port Douglas  0-2-2.  Centrals 2-4-16. 

Coach Andy Viola's quarter-time roast found the Crocs looking a little more professional in the second quarter but the portents remained grim.  

Timmy Karpeny was in everything; Matt Shaw and Sammy Boxall were contesting well.  It was still a low scoring game with both defences on top.  

Play remained extremely intense but a little more even.  Daniel Smith and Campbell Wurramarrba were more prominent, Mitch Nicholson, Kane Uebergang and Ryan Worn realising there was a lot more to be done. 

Scores at half time were Port Douglas 4-4-28 Centrals 5-6-36. 

During the second half a change came over the game.  Crocs players all over the ground rose to the challenge.  Ueber was on fire while  Bloomie, Scott Roberts and Mansie were really putting in. 

Craig Shaw was gettting heaps of the football.  Unlike in recent weeks though, The Crocs were unable to break the shackles.  Play from both teams was of a high standard - the contest absorbing.  For the first time the Crocs got in front.  
 
Early in the final quarter Centrals were again resurgent and took back the lead.  Crocs players dug evern deeper and refused to lie down.  Another lead change - goal for goal.  

Daniel Harris was keeping up his hard work and Ueber was simply outstanding against his old club, continuing his run of great form.  

The fat lady's voice was silent as neither team could gain the ascendency.  Finally a last effort by the Crocs found them victorious in a wonderful game of football.
 
Port Douglas Reserves continued to enjoy their blockbuster season maintaining their unbeaten run.  Coach Darren Wall was not happy though, explaining that Centrals jumped the Crocs early with scores level at quarter time.  

The move of Andy Seaholme to full back was a winner as he had five hard ball gets and set up two goals by charging down field.  

As the game progressed the Crocs continued to improve.  Max Petrack was good all day as was Jack Goodall in the ruck.  Another great win!
 
The next round of matches sees Port Douglas host the Saints at the Croc Pit.  For both Seniors and Reserves this will be another hard fought game.  
 
Final Scores.

Seniors: Port Douglas 14-10-94 def Centrals 11-11-77.
Goal kickers:  Kane Uebergang 3.  Campbell Wurramarrba 3.  Craig Shaw 2.  Matt Shaw 2.
Best Players:  Kane Uebergang, Craig Shaw, Mitch Nicholson, Luke Bloom, Ryan Worn, Campbell Wurramarrba
 
Reserves. Port Douglas 16-14-110 def Centrals 6-3-39.
Goal kickers:  Jason Wilkie 6.  Tim Hanly 3.  Kerrod Andrews 2.  
Best Players: Tim Hanly, Andrew Seaholme, Ben McCartney, Max Petrack, Jason Wilkie.
 
GO CROCS!