by Jo Westgate

Under 12s

Port Douglas 5-9-39 def Cairns City Lions Maroon 3-14-32

A pre match blast from Coach Walley must have done the trick with Tommy G, Finny Boy, Chucky Burns and Benny Bonkus Muia throwing themselves into the game from the first bounce.

The first half was a very evenly contested affair with neither side allowing the other to dominate on the scoreboard. Pressure by the backline only allowed Cairns City Hawks Maroon to post 1-3 for the quarter with the Crocs managing 1 goal 2 leaving them well in the race at quarter time.

The second quarter was another close encounter as pressure from both sides kept scoring opportunities to a minimum. The Crocs and Lions were goalless for the quarter, but the Lions ahead on the scoreboard kicking 6 points to the Crocs' 1 point.

The third quarter was like the first two with the Lions inaccurate kicking keeping the Crocs in touch. The final term saw the Crocs continue to bite back with the small brigade eating the ball up all over the ground with Dan D, Brent D, Sausage, Jack The Mop and Ryan The Burger B obtaining possessions all over the ground.

The big boys were moved to the middle and a great boundry line goal by Brayden 'Pretty Boy' Wall gave the Crocs the spark they needed.  Team orientated football and good old fashion hard football saw the Crocs boot a further 2 goals for the quarter only allowing Lions to sneak in 1 6 pointer before full time.

A 7 point victory to the Crocs keeps their finals hopes alive in 2011.

Goal Kickers for the match were Ben Muia, Tom Goodall, Finn Cameron and Hugo finishing the game with one goal each. Well done to the boys and Coach Walley thinks it may be a good idea to get stuck into the boys every week. No more Mr Nice Guy.

Under 14s

Port Douglas 12-11-83 def. Cairns City Lions 2-6-18.

Port Douglas Crocs hosted competition leaders Cairns City Lions at the Croc Pit on Sunday. With a full side of 18 players on the field and 3 on the bench, the Crocs were eager for action and ready to take the fight to their much fancied opponents.

Both sides only managed to score handful of points early in the first quarter but the Crocs scored a late goal and went into the first break with a small lead.

The second quarter saw the Crocs add to their lead with a fine display of running football and accurate goal kicking. After some words of advice from Coach Pat Barnett at half time, the Crocs returned to the field and continued to edge further ahead of the opposition with steady determination.

The Crocs ultimately went on to secure a victory for the second week in a row with a resounding 60 point margin giving the boys from Port Douglas the opportunity to again test their vocal chords (and their ability to remember lyrics) by singing the club song.

Goal kickers for the match were Mitch Bohm with an amazing 6 goal tally, Connor Zealand, Louie Ganaia, Ethan McCullough, Ben McCauley and Zac McCauley.
Ashley Davidson received The Beach Shack award with the E.J.’s Takeaway voucher presented to Jake Gibson. Other award recipients were Louie Ganaia, Mitchell Bohm, Dylan Smedley, Ben McCauley, Zac McCauley and Josh McCauley who each received McDonalds meal vouchers.

Thanks to those volunteers who helped out, especially Callum Hanley who acted as Boundary Umpire (Callum’s first time in the role), Goal Umpire Trevor Mandersloot and the ever-dependable Cheryl McCullough who again ran water for the team. It’s about time we got Cheryl’s name permanently printed onto one of those light blue ‘Water Carrier’ shirts! Thanks for your help Cheryl and for your cup cakes.

Under 16s

South Cairns 10-5-65 def Port Douglas 4-5-29

The Crocs once again failed to work hard for 4 quarters only looking in touch in the first quarter going into the break only 8 points behind.

The last 3 quarters were pretty much dominated by bottom side South Cairns who were well ahead at every change. The Crocs did have a few moments of brilliance but were unable to keep their focus and run going for a full 64 minutes which has been a problem all season.

Goal kickers were Michael McKeown with two while Josh Harris and Jake Muir scored one.

After a few weeks off due to School Holidays the Under 16s will return in a new format which will see them play on a Wednesday night for the rest of the home and away season.

This will give the boys a few weeks to regroup ,sort out who is and who is not available, and look at finishing the last 4 games on a high note.

Last Sunday's home game at the Crocpit was another huge success with the canteen pumping out truck loads of the best bacon and egg burgers in town as well as hotdogs to rival Wendy's, Burgers with lots and lots, pies that were hotter than Collingwood last week and bucket loads of hot chips keeping the crowd coming back for more. Not to mentions Sheryl’s cup cakes which were more popular than a watering hole in the middle of the Sahara. But where was mine?

Thanks to parents and some of the Under 16s who helped out both in the canteen and with match duties but once again it was the hard working committee that ensured the day ran without a hitch. Mr and Mrs Pigeon were in full flight in the canteen as was team Muia and Cox who started their morning at 7am.

Thanks to everyone for their commitment and dedication to the Port Douglas Junior Crocs.