It was a tough day at the office for the Crocs' boys at the Croc Pit on Saturday.

Up against the CAFL benchmark team, Cairns Saints, the Port Douglas boys learned there's more work to do in order to be competitive come finals time.

The ground was bathed in glorious sunshine and two high standard game of football ensued.  

In the Senior match the Saints managed to do the one per cent efforts  just a little better, with more pin-point disposals and their full forward Matt Walsh played a blinder, kicking 10 goals.

In the main game the Crocs were super competitive and truly desperate early with Daniel 'Turtle' Cross leading the charge.  

Adam Boone scored a goal quickly and the gazelle-like James Mueller was winning the rucking contests.  

Kane Goodwin showed that his early season form was no fluke and he was especially damaging in his charges through the Saints lines.  

Andrew "Bucket" MacLeod, playing his second game of the afternoon, produced the slickest handball of the day to Dylan "Weary" Wearmouth - goal!  

Sam Scally and Rowan" Zinger" Hanley were having a red hot dip and Tom Clough fearlessly backed into the "valley of death" to grab a fine mark.  

Thanks in part to the continuing hard work of Chris Adams, Darren Garth and Tim Oke the game was all tied up at half-time.  

After the long break the Saints hit a purple patch and despite the best efforts of the Crocs the match gradually slipped from their grasp.  

To their credit the home team had 20 more inside 50's than their opponents but the Saints forward set-up functioned a little more efficiently.  

Darren Williams popped through a goal for the Crocs but it was too late. 

Earlier on, the reserves game was a battle of defences.  First blood went to the Saints and by quarter time the stage had been set for a difficult day for the Crocs.

They were kept goalless. Gavin Jacks and Kerrod Andrews were playing their first game for the season and doing well.  

Alex Bendle and "Bucket" battled hard and won many possessions.  

Nathan Evans at full back repelled a lot of attacks but too much leather came down the ground to block them all.  

Jack Lowe, Braden Laurin, Ben Mutton and Ethan Mackie were contesting well but the Saints continued to dictate play.  

Daniel Fenech and Hayden Bogicevic were having a day out ably supported by Jordan Corbett. 

The Crocs were wildly inaccurate in their shots on goal.  Matt Chizzoniti found the big opening and the Crocs won the last quarter by five goals to two.  

Ethan McCullough managed two goals at the finish in a nice comeback by the Crocs.  

Thanks go to our regular raffle prize donors - Peppers Spa , Salsa and Barrier Reef Tavern.  

As usual on Friday night  supporters had a great night at the Barrier Reef Tavern. Try to get along.   

Looking forward to the Karaoke night next Saturday 10th May,  after our home game against North Cairns.

Should be fun. All welcome. 

Final Scores:

Seniors

Crocs 13.11-89 were def. by Saints 16.5-101.

Best:  C Adams, D Wearmouth, J Mueller, K Goodwin, R Hanley.

Goals:  D Garth 3,  D Wearmouth 2, C Adams 2, D Williams, D Prater, R Hanley,  T Oke, J Lea, A Boone.

Reserves 

Crocs 8.15-63 were def. by Saints 15.6-96

Best: D Fenech, H Bogicevic, J Corbett,  B Mutton, A Bendle, M Chizzoniti.

Goals: E McCullough 2, M Chizzoniti 2, D Peirce 2,  G Jacks, H. Bogicevic.

Next match is another Home game against North Cairns.  Reserves at 1pm, Seniors at 3pm. Come along.