The Paddy’s Bar Douglas United Dragons have been battered 8-0 by premiership favourites Mareeba at Borzi Park on Saturday night in what was another stark reminder of how much work is still to be done if the Dragons plan on playing finals football this season.

A lack of match fitness was again exposed as a 2-0 halftime score line was then blown out as the pace of the game took its toll on the Dragons.

It was not as if there were not positives to be taken from the game as the Dragons played some nice football at times and created some anxious moments for the home side.

The opening exchanges were relatively even with possession being evenly shared although Mareeba always looked the more likely side to test the opposition keeper.

They even wasted a couple of guilt edged chances that had the Dragons believing it might be their night.

That was until a corner was poorly cleared to a Mareeba player whose near air swing sold the Douglas defenders.  

He was then able to tuck the ball into the corner of the net to give Mareeba the lead.

The second followed not long after and again was the result of some indecisive Dragons defending. 

While the score at halftime was not great the performance had been pleasing and the was definitely a sense that if the Dragons could get the next goal then they could get something from the match.

And while they again played some nice stuff they could not find a way to seriously test the Mareeba keeper.

When, after about twenty minutes, the legs started to fade Mareeba were on hand to punish the Dragons with ruthless efficiency. 

The final score of 8-0, the second heavy defeat in a row means it is back to the drawing board for the Dragons.

It was a similar story in the Reserves with the final score in that match being 7-1.

Numbers have still been a problem but with a few faces returning to the region in the coming weeks as well as some injuring concerns clearing up at least there will be full squads to pick from.

Hopefully with added competition will come added intensity and the performances will start to improve.

Next up for the Dragons is an excellent chance to begin turning things around with Innisfail visiting fortress Cassowary with the Reserves kicking off at 5pm and the Premiers at 7pm.

The respective Man of the Match awards went to Joe Bownes in the Reserve Grade who impressed on his debut for the club and Chris Jenkin who never stopped giving his all and made one outstanding last ditch tackle to emphasise that attitude.