Spectators were treated to an exciting exhibition of fast, flowing football at Holloways Beach on Saturday.  Cairns City Lions were at home to Port Douglas Crocs and both teams are to be congratulated for playing out the match at such a sustained level of intensity. 
 
The match started in very blustery conditions with the first two goals going to the Lions who were kicking into the wind.  A goal to Morgan Lane started the Crocs' campaign. 

Dylin Wearmouth, Kurt Bradshaw and Luke Serong were full of running but were unfortunately let down early by inaccurate kicking for goal.  Coach Brad Cooper dobbed a nice one for the Crocs to level the scores. 

A good pick up by Ben Herbert at half-back and his quick run-on resulted in a goal to Luke Serong.  The Lions' quick reply had the game all tied up at quarter time.
 
The Crocs' players obviously absorbed Brad Cooper's appeal to raise the tempo through the midfield as their greater effort saw the Crocs pile on the first four goals in the second quarter. 

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Jules Smith was doing very well in the ruck and giving his smaller brigade first use of the ball. 
 
Soon the Crocs had registered a five goal lead and at half time everyone was left wondering whether this margin would be enough to enable the team to return to the winning list.
 
It was the Lions who started the third quarter full of running and scored an early goal.  Kane Freyling for the Crocs was doing his utmost on his wing to keep the pressure on. 

Suddenly the Crocs cranked it up a notch.  All over the ground players were diving in head first for the ball.  Rapid chains of accurate kicks and hand passes became the norm.  Pretty to watch! 

Two goals to Luke Serong, then Coops, then Luke yet again and the Crocs were running amok, determined that there would be no fade.
 
And nor was there. A great seven goal burst in the final quarter enabled the Crocs to run out easy winners.  It had been a great performance from the Crocs and they truly deserved their win.

Final Score: Port 21-14-140 def. Lions 7-15-57.
 
Best players: B.McCartney.  D. Wearmouth.  S. Gribbon.  B. Cooper.  A. Bendle.  H. Bogicevic.
 
Goals: B. Cooper 7.  L. Serong 5.   D. Harris 2.  M. Lane 2.  B. Willis.  J. Lawlor.  S. Gribbon.  S. Hamilton.  D. Wearmouth.

RESERVES
 
Once again the Croc Reserves have acquitted themselves extremely well in their match against the Lions.  The half-time score showed the game well in the Crocs boys' grasp with Port Douglas leading 18-6-114 to the Lions 1-2-8.
 
As the wind was swirling all over the place Jason "Harry" Wilkie was blitzing them at full-forward having booted ten by half-time.  Sam Evans was doing well with four by half-time.  Even coach Darren Wall kicked his requisite one goal for the year!  It was a brilliant team effort with everyone teaming well and players winning on every line.
 
Great effort!
 
Our next major event is the Bulls Cricket Day on May 19.  This is a great day with stacks of past legends such as Allan Border and Jim Maher playing alongside blokes like Wendell Sailor.  The Crocs are running the bar on the day.  Come along, a great day is assured.
 
Final Score:  Port 32-15-207 def. Lions 3-3-21.
 
Best Players:  J. Wilkie.  J. Pearce.  S. English.  J. Lowe.  K. Andrews.  S. Evans.
 
Goals: J. Wilkie 15.  S. Evans.  5.  T. Gooding 3.  J. Caswell 2.  M. Petrack 2.  J. Pearce.  D. Wall. J. lowe.  S. English.  K. Andrews.

Images by Bannister PC Management.