By Des Rolfe

The Crocs triumphed in their encounter with North Cairns Tigers at the Croc Pit on Saturday.  

In what turned out to be a surprisingly one-sided game, the Crocs boys were dominant in almost every position on the field.  

The Tigers staged a brief resurgence in the last quarter but for their supporters, it was too little too late.

On the other hand, Crocs coach Brad Cooper must have been greatly relieved that his charges had put their narrow loss to the Saints the week before, behind them, as they turned on very highly skilled football.

Every line worked beautifully.

The mid-field, led by ruckman James Mueller who was palming the ball consistently to Dylan Wearmouth, Daniel Cross, Rowan Hanley, Josh Lea and Chris Adams, slammed the ball into the Crocs forward 50, time and time again.

Up forward, Damien Williams, Darren Garth, Adam Boone and Paul Worthingon were too strong for their opponents and with Ash Davidson sharking the spills, the Crocs had numerous shots on goal.  

In defence Kaine Freyling, Michael Klein-Boonschate, Declan Kelly and Joel Lawlor ran off their opponents and thumped the ball forward.  

Thomas Clough and Alex Bendle both enjoyed a picnic, getting possessions at will and delivering the ball accurately to their team mates.  Ethan Mackie shone in his first Senior game. 

Its cruel not to name every Crocs player because it was a supreme team effort.  

All the great AFL skills were in evidence - the boys talked and encouraged each other; they were fearless; bumped hard; used slick handpassing and didn't waste kicks.  

The goal scoring accuracy in the tricky wind was amazing. Well done!

In the curtain raiser the Crocs Reserves also enjoyed a very good win.  

In a quick fire opening Crocs' forwards Scott McKay and Jordan Corbett had goals on the board in the first 3 minutes.  

The home team was faster and playing in front.  

Mark Nuggin made a welcome return to the club and conducted himself well in his first game.  

Harlen Paulet was marking well, tall forward Ethan McCullough was too elusive for his opponent and Jack Lowe bobbed up everywhere.  

Joel Roennfeldt  and Shaun Ladds were giving their all. Patrick Molan was attacking the ball fearlessly. But  North Cairns were not to be denied and at half-time it was a one goal game.

In the second half the Tigers pressed even harder and the Crocs were having more turnovers than you'd find in a Baker,s shop.  Crocs coach Lynton Heffer demanded more effort from his boys and gradually the game swung in the home team's favour.  Liam Edwards lifted, Tim Thomson contested strongly and Shannon Gleeson claimed a much need goal.  

Dylan Pierce was clearing well out of defence and Andrew "Bucket" MacLeod functioned like a general marshalling his troops.  

Jordan Corbett was starring.  

It was still nip and tuck but a perfectly timed turnover by Nathan Evans got the ball to Scott McKay for a goal which put the game beyond the Tigers reach.  

Again it was a great all-round team effort.  

The Ramada 200 club enjoyed a delicious spread provided by Goodies cafe Mossman. 

When in town make sure you support some of our sponsors - drop in to Rattle 'n Hum or Paddys' Irish pub for a drink or a feed.

RESULTS

Seniors:

Port Douglas 24.8-152 def. Nth Cairns 6.12-48

Goals:   D. Garth 6.  R. Hanley 3.  C. Adams 3.  P. Worthington 2.  D. Williams 2.  D. Cross.  S. Scally.  J. Lea.  E. Mackie.  A. Davidson.  T. Clough.  A. Boone.  M. Klein-Boonschate.

Best:  R. Hanley.  J. Mueller.  J. Lea.  D. Garth.  D. Kelly.

Reserves: 

Port Douglas 12.8-80 def. Nth Cairns 7.8-50

Goals; S. McKay 3.  P. Molan 2.  J. Corbett 2.  M. Nuggin.  T. Thomson.  J. Lowe.  S. Gleeson.  E. McCullough.  

Best:  J. Corbett.  P. Molan.  A. MacLeod.  S. McKay .  M. Nuggin.

Next week the Crocs have the bye and get a well-earned rest.  

Their next game is on May 24 at Fretwell Park against Sth Cairns. Reserves 1pm. Seniors 3pm.