Griffiths Park, home of the Saints, had the pleasure of hosting the mighty Port Douglas Crocs Under 8s last Sunday in near perfect winter conditions.

Right from the first bounce, the boys knew they were in for a tight tussle. Put straight into the ruck and doing a fine job, Gus “ Madden” Gaske continually palmed the ball down to improving rovers Luke “Bradley” Pullan, and Port Douglas' own Tommy Alvin “Dargan”. Nippy ruck rover Kalan “the Dominator” Poole played his best game of the year, with many running bounces like his new hero Chris Yarran.

The Crocs' defensive pressure from the back 4 garnered a positive review from the coaching staff, with the quick foot work again from Hayden “Gleeson” Caswell. Caswell had the huge Sunday morning crowd on their feet and the early aerial display from Little Taj “ Dorotich” Uwland and Ethan “Meldrum” Scott prevented many Saints forward bursts.

Controlling the half back line like a wedge tail eagle about to strike was Big Taj “Rhys-Jones” Anderson who was just magnificent and played four solid quarters.

First game player Oscar “Naley” Copper stamped his authority at full forward, and the in-and-under efforts from Tyler “Dean” Anderson and a couple of thumping long bombs from Jonte “Glascott” Revell kept the Crocs right in the game.

Coach’s Awards went to Kalan, Taj, Dargan and Oscar.