by Des Rolfe

Port Douglas Crocs ventured to Cazalys on Saturday for another huge match against League leaders Manunda Hawks.  

Whilst the game did not reach great heights as a spectacle, the disappointing crowd in attendance were treated to a hard-fought grinding slog with neither team willing to concede.  

During the early part of the first quarter, goals were scarce as both backlines were on top and repelled many attacks.  The Crocs were doing particularly well, given the Hawks were assisted by the breeze.  

As Alicia and Emma Kate observed Kane "Gorgeous Thighs" Uebergang was in everything early and Brennan "Lovely Legs" Beale was winning the tap-outs in the ruck and getting a lot of the ball in general field play. "Mitchy Moo" Nicholson was constantly solid in defence.  

Coach Andy Viola would have been well-pleased with the boys at the quarter time break as the score line showed Port Douglas four goals to one in front.
 
And so into the second quarter.  The Hawks ground out another goal but were kicking inaccurately.  For the Crocs Dousty was doing well and Jackson Brown was making very good use of the football.  

Port was defending grimly and managed to maintain a four goal lead into the half time break.
 
Unfortunately for Port Douglas the Hawks opened the flood gates in the third quarter.  The sheer torrent of play washing over the Crocs' defence could not be blocked as they were crushed under the weight of inside 50's.  

The siren couldn't come quickly enough for the Crocs as the Hawks piled on nine goals.
 
Things were still looking bad for The Crocs in the last quarter, but the Crocs were determined to salvage some pride. The refusal of players such as Ueber and Timmy "TK" Karpany to give in was very reassuring.

Port Douglas closed the gap, but Hawks prevailed by fourteen points.  
 
Although beaten on the day, the Crocs' brains trust were left with plenty of positives to build on come finals time.  
 
In the Reserves game Port Douglas recorded another excellent result with a winning margin in excess of ten goals.  Players such as Max Petrack played extremely well and must be pressing for selection in the Senior team.  

Next week we are at home to South Cairns and looking forward to another tough match.

The Reverse draw was held on Sunday afternoon at the Crocpit.  It was a rip-roaring day and congratulations to the organisers for providing a great opportunity for players, committee and supporters to bond.  Well done!
 
RESULTS

Seniors:  
Manunda Hawks 13-13-91 def Port Douglas 11-11-77.

Best players: Kane Uebergang, Brennan Beale, Daniel Smith, Colin Karpany, Jackson Brown, Craig Shaw.
Goal Kickers:  Kane Uebergang 3 Craig Shaw 2 Sammy Boxall 2.  
 
Reserves:
Manunda Hawks 6-5-41 were defeated by Port Douglas 16-12-108
 
Best Players:  Mitchell Duff, Edson Dos Reis, Bryce Willis, Max Petrack, Chad Bertram, Karl Zammataro.
Goal kickers:  Jason Wilkie 5 Bryce Willis 3 Justin White 2 Kain Scarano 2 Max Petrack 2.
 
GO CROCS!