In a crackerjack game played at the Croc Pit, Port Douglas showed that by winning against North Cairns, they have turned the corner.  With an element of luck they may sneak into the final four by season's end.
 
The Seniors match opened in a cool swirling breeze which assisted the work of both teams' defences making goals hard to come by.  Crocs coach Brad Cooper had his players firing at a very intense level and their tackling was ferocious. 

North Cairns did not enjoy the luxury of an easy kick for the whole game.  Skip Gribbon registered the first goal of the match for the Crocs, and after a 50 metre penalty to Kurt Cadman the ball finished in the the hands of the fast leading Jackson Brown - second goal to the Crocs.
 
Jordan O'Gorman passed to 15 year old first Senior gamer Charlie Williams - goal 3! The siren ended a very entertaining first quarter of football with both teams evenly matched at 3 goals apiece.
 
Crocs' forward Jimmy Astill opened the scoring in the second quarter with a goal after a nice lead and mark.  A costly turnover by Port Douglas resulted in a lucky let off with a Norths' point only. 

After some snappy work around goal a quick tap off the ground resulted in another goal.  Kane Freyling was having a good game across half-back.  Big ruckman Jules Smith ran into goal for another major. 

Want more ways to stay in touch? Join us on Facebook

Excellent set play to Kurt Cadman resulted in another goal and the Crocs were showing the value of straight kicking.  Port Douglas 9 shots at goal, North Cairns, 17, but the game was all square at the long break. 
 
And so it continued.  Port Douglas scored the first 4 goals of the second half.  It was the culmination of brilliant team work, great tackling, accurate foot and hand passing and outstanding kicking for goal.  Port held a 2 goal lead going into the last quarter.
 
With the aid of the breeze the opening minutes of the final quarter were all North Cairns.  Jimmy Astill popped through a wonderful goal to keep the Crocs' noses in front. 

Skip Gribbon, Kurt Bradshaw, Kurt Cadman, Dylin Wearmouth and Gavin Jacks refused to give in and dominated the mid-field.  Ben Herbert and Kane Freyling were constantly relieving the pressure out of the backline.  Another timely goal by Jimmy Astill proved to be the sealer.
 
Spectators had been treated to a fabulous game of football.
 
In another vital game next week Port Douglas are away to South Cairns.  This is a must-win if the team is to stay in contention for the finals.
 
In a disappointing outing for Port Douglas Reserves the boys went down to a more experienced North Cairns outfit.
 
SENIORS
Port Douglas 16-6-102 def. Nth Cairns 11-19-85
Goals:  J. Astill 4.  J. Brown 3.  C. Williams 3.  G. Jacks 2.  R. Hanley.  S. Gribbon.  K. Cadman.  L. Meyer.
Best:  S. Gribbon.  D. Wearmouth.  K. Bradshaw.  G. Jacks.  B. Herbert.  K. Cadman. 
 
RESERVES
Port Douglas 7-2-44 was def by Nth Cairns 16-10-106.
Goals: J. Ramsay 4.  H. Willis.  S. Evans. S. Gillespie. 
Best: J. Ramsay.  H. Willis.  C. Taylor.  C. Pattinson.  C. Bertram.  M. Gard.
 
Go CROCS!