by Des Rolfe

Last Saturday Port Douglas Crocs received a valuable reminder from top side Manunda Hawks that yet more work needs to be done in order to outgun the very best teams.  

In a low scoring first quarter the ball flowed up and down the ground at a quick pace but both teams found scoring difficult. Evan 'Buddha' Hocking was again in scintillating form and had a brilliant first half. 

Buddha has a prodigious work ethic - guts, skill, courage.  It was tremendously encouraging to see Craig Shaw back for his first game this season and displaying some of the silky skills for which he is renowned.
 
As the benchmark team this season the Hawks edged ahead early in the second quarter but to the Crocs' great credit they fought tooth and nail to reduce the three goal deficit and draw level at the long break.
 
The pace of the game in the third quarter continued at a high level with the Hawks dominant early.  Crocs star Daniel Smith was in everything but the writing was on the wall.  With so many Crocs players playing only their first or second game of the season, legs began to tire.  The last quarter was played at a much slower pace and unfortunately for the Crocs, the Hawks' superior fitness proved telling.
 
Once again Port Douglas Reserves saluted the judge to continue their unbeaten run.  Ardent supporter Caroll Evans commented that some of the boys need to avoid being sucked in by the opposition, but overall it was a good team display.  Reserve coach Darren Wall said "the team is starting to get some polish into its play and the game plan is really working."
 
Next week is a bye due to the Rep game being played at Cazaly's Stadium.

Seniors

Port Douglas 7-12-54 lost to Manunda Hawks 15-20-110

Best Players: Evan Hocking, Daniel Smith, David Kruse, Campbell Wurramarrba, Scott Roberts and Matthew Manns Goal kickers: J. White 2; D. Harris, A. Currie, C. Wurrumarba, D. Kruse, B. Cooper. 
 
Reserves

Port Douglas 16-7-103 def Manunda Hawks 6-3-39
Best Players: Hayden Bogicevic, Max Petrack, Kaine Freyling, Jason Wilkie, Sam Evans, Mitchell Duff.  Goal kickers: Jason Wilkie 5.  Kerrod Andrews 4.  Dale Penny 2.  Mitchell Duff 2.
 
Go Crocs!