By Kerry Larsen

An attempt to improve on percentage and climb the Cairns AFL ladder has backfired for the Port Douglas Crocs, despite winning by 165 points on Saturday.

The Crocs beat cellar-dwellers Cairns City Lions 28.22 (190) to 3.7 (25) at Holloway’s Beach but remain in third spot on the ladder after reigning premiers, Cairns Saints, defeated Central Trinity Beach by 30 points at Crathern Park to keep them cemented in second place.

To make matters worse for the Crocs, captain Evan Hocking sustained a hamstring injury in the first ten minutes of the match and looks set to miss the next two matches - vital games against Cairns Saints and Centrals Trinity Beach.

After showing some solid form and elected captain in the victorious Cairns AFL representative side earlier this month, it is believed Hocking carried the injury into the match where the Crocs were expected to win easily, and had sought treatment in the lead-up to the game.

However, there was good news from the weekend’s huge win, as 2010 league-winning goal-kicking centurion Matt Shaw kicked four goals and gained some touch after starting the season in round 10.

Justin White led the goal count for the Crocs with five, while flashy forward, Sam Boxall, had his fair share of the ball and could have made the margin even more impressive, kicking an inaccurate 3.10. Darwin recruit Campbell Warramarrba also kicked four goals.

Former Northern Territory Thunder and Darwin Wanderers player, David Kruse, was best on ground for the Crocs, with Kane “Fridge” Uebergang continuing his excellent recent form, as did reigning Crathern Medallist, Daniel Smith.

Earlier in the day, the Crocs reserves also notched up a massive win against the Lions, 23.14 (152) to 1.3 (9), with Kerrod Andrews and Jackson Brown kicking four goals, Timmy Hanly and Kain Scarano both booting three.

The reserves now sit two points behind the Saints on the reserves ladder with nine rounds remaining, but have clearly been the stand-outs in the twos competition this season.

This Saturday sees the Crocs play host to Centrals Trinity Beach at Port Douglas Sports Complex, followed by the annual “Crocs In Frocks” pageant on Saturday evening.