With a place in the Grand Final as the prize, the Preliminary Final between Port Douglas Crocs and Manunda Hawks promised to be a thriller, and so it was.  

The teams had met three times previously this season, with the Hawks winning all three, but for this all-important match, this time the Crocs were determined to win.
 
The Crocs had first use of quite a strong breeze at Cazaly's, but the Hawks were first to score.  Play was scrambly and inconclusive early with Hawks doing just a little better.

Time and again Kane Uebergang's strong play in busting open packs kept the Crocs competitive.  Campbell Wurrumarba popped through the Crocs first goal, but with the Hawks scoring the next two into the wind, the Crocs were once again guilty of a slow start.
 
The second quarter opened with a nice goal to Brad Cooper and another to Ueber who, along with Scotty Roberts, dominated play and provided great drive from the mid-field.  

The Crocs defence was being constantly bombarded as the Hawks managed four more goals.  The omens were not good for the Crocs because the Hawks were outpacing them all over the field.  
 
A nice passage of play from Ueber to Sammy Boxall for a goal opened the second half in great fashion for the Crocs.  Craig Shaw was subjected to intense pressure but managed another.  

Scotty Roberts maintained his high work-rate and his great individual effort resulted in a goal to Timmy Karpany.  Mitch Nicholson found the ball more often, TK's next shot for goal hit the post but the Crocs were knuckling down and making a game of it.  

The Crocs booted another goal and the scoreboard looked more respectable.  A marked change came over the game - the intensity lifted with both teams crashing the packs harder than ever.  The ball zipped from end to end at a frantic pace.  

Matt Shaw kicked a goal and the Crocs hit the lead.  Not for long though as the Hawks immediately took it back.
 
With everything on the line the Crocs scored the first goal in the vital last quarter.  Scotty Roberts continued to play his heart out, a best on ground effort. TK kept on running, Daniel Smith lifted and Coops bobbed up again to put the Crocs one point ahead at the 9 minute mark.

Two quick goals to the opposition made things difficult for the Crocs.  Buddha repelled many Hawks forward thrusts but the Crocs were nine points down. Was there still time?  No - scores remained unchanged.  

Final scores were Manunda Hawks 14-11-95 defeated Crocs 13-8-86.
 
Congratulations to Manunda Hawks who will meet Cairns Saints in the Grand Final.  Good luck to both teams for next Saturday.
 
Goal kickers: Sam Boxall 3.  Brad Cooper 3.  Colin Karpany 2.  Matt Shaw 2.  Craig Shaw.  Kane Uebergang.  Campbell Wurrumarba.
 
Best Players:  Scott Roberts, Colin Karpany, Kane Uebergang, Brad Cooper, Evan Hocking.

Next Saturday our Crocs Reserves journey to Cazaly's to play in the Grand Final against Manunda Hawks.  Good luck boys!