By Des Rolfe

South Cairns Cutters supporters could be forgiven for thinking their local area was in need of a major crocodile cull on Saturday.

The Port Douglas Crocs had come rampaging down the Bruce Highway determined to menace the ladder leaders out of the 4 points. 

At the half-time break everything appeared to be going to plan.  

The Crocs had broken out to a 7 goal lead and many spectators imagined they could hear the "Fat Ladies" tuning up.

 To their great credit the Cutters were having none of this and staged a third-quarter come back worthy of Lazarus.

They increased their pace, doubled their pressure tactics and got boot to ball sufficient times to penetrate their inside 50 and register 7 goals.

The Crocs' persistence in over -use of handball in the contests resulted in their successful forward percentages  falling away.

But like a terrier after a bone the Crocs refused to capitulate.

Coach Coops had his boys re-group and they managed to revert to the superb, open, play-on brand of football they had displayed earlier. 

Thomas Clough had more possessions than Clive Palmer and even though he wasted a few kicks the sheer weight of leather he pumped down forward made him a stand-out.  

Zak Stephenson absolutely dominated his position and with his quick vision and precise ball skills found a team-mate every time.  

Daniel Cross was bubbling along nicely at his exasperating best, disturbing his opponents' mental equilibrium at every opportunity.  

Up-forward Adam Boone, Paul Worthington, Damien Williams and Ant Sercombe combined beautifully and performed like a well-oiled machine.  

 Kaine Freyling christened the forward pocket in front of the member's stand as Kaine's Korner - dobbing 3 goals in 3 minutes. Brett McKeown kept his opponent guessing all day.  Jimmy Mueller continued his good form in the ruck and Sam Scally and Zinger Hanley crashed the packs fearlessly.   

The Crocs back-line stood up well.  Declan Kelly, Alex Bendle, Ben McCartney, Jordan Corbett and Tim Oke all made telling contributions which ensured the Crocs won the match.  

It was an excellent team effort and proof positive that the Crocs have the ability to do well come finals time.

Unfortunately the Crocs Reserves team were hampered by the absence of some key players and found themselves unable to match the intensity of their opponents.

The Cutters jumped out to a five goal to one lead in the first quarter, leaving the Crocs a great deal of work to be done.

Time and again the home team burst through the Crocs defensive lines and peppered their goals.

With  the half-time score-line at 9 goals to 2 in favour of the Cutters,  the Crocs were requiring a miracle intervention.

To their great credit they out-scored the Cutters in the second half but were unable to close the gap completely.   

Crocs newcomer Keslan Jennings was an asset in the ruck and first gamer Ashley Isaac dobbed a nice goal.

Individual efforts by Crocs players worth noting included - Felix Dunn with a great hotly contested mark; Dylan Peirce for his terrific pack busting solo efforts; Nathan King with his 3 goals; Liam Edwards for his decisive defensive play; Patrick Molan using his height to great team advantage and Jack Lowe, Andrew MacLeod,  Harlen Paulet and Jack Dickson who maintained their excellent work rate all the way to the end of the game.  

RESULTS

Seniors.

South Cairns 11.12-78 were def. by Port Douglas 16.16-112

Goals:  A. Boone 4.  K. Freyling 3.  A. Sercombe 2.  R. Hanley 2.  D. Williams 2.  T. Clough.  D. Cross.  M. Klein-Boonschate.

Best: K. Freyling.  T. Clough.  D. Cross.  Z. Stephenson.  J. Mueller.  J. Lea.

Reserves.

South Cairns 13.7-85 def. Port Douglas 8.4-52.

Goals: N. King 3.  J. Dickson.  J. Lowe.  E. McCullough.  D. Peirce.  K. Taylor.

Best: J. Dickson.  J. Lowe.  L. Edwards. P. Molan.  H. Paulet.

The Crocs Ladies Day will be held on Saturday the 16th August.  Keep the date free girls -as always, it promises to be a great day!

Next week the Crocs are at home at the Croc Pit to the Hawks.  It is a twilight game - Reserves at 3pm and Seniors at 5 pm.  See you there!

GO CROCS!