By Des Rolfe

Saturday's game was played at Cairns Saints Griffiths Park due to Norths ground being unavailable.

There was a very blustery wind, which always makes for a scrappy game.

Norths, who were one spot below the Crocs on the ladder, had to win to stay in touch and fend off the clubs biting at their heels for the fourth spot.

With the late withdrawal of James Mueller, speedy junior Ashley Davidson was promoted up from the reserves.

The Crocs struggled early to combat kicking into a strong breeze, with Booney eventually kicking our first major after Norths had registered 4 quick goals.

Thomas Clough, who was playing his normal serviceable game, snapped truly and the the Crocs began to show some form from last week.

Mike McKeown ran into a open goal and scored as well as kicking the ball into and knocking the goal umpire nearly over the fence.

The Crocs trailed after the first break by 3 points soon turned that into a 6 goal lead kicking with the wind.

At half time scores were at  Port 10.3 (63) against Norths 4.5(29)

In the third quarter the Tigers used the wind and put on six goals, keeping us down to two goals as the the Crocs fumbled around, missing targets by hand and boot.

Declan Kelly was repelling many attacks with some great overhead marks.

Brett McKeown was his normal live wire around the ground.

Daniel Cross played his usual hard footy and Sam Scully and Dylan Wearmouth worked hard.

The 'Darwin connection' Damo and Zac combined sweetly to see Zac slot a great goal on the run.

At the end of the third quarter the score was at Crocs 12.7(79) Norths 10.6(66)

Going into the final term with the aid of a strong breeze saw the Crocs do enough to run away comfortable winners, thanks to some fine work by Booney , Brad Lawlor, Wearmouth, Clough and a dashing display by Alex Bendle in the backline.

The boys kept Norths Goalless in the final quarter.

Final Scores Crocs17.11 (113) Norths 10.6 (66)

Goalkickers Boone 6, Sercombe 3 ,Scally 2, and Zak, Klein-Boonschate, Lawlor, Mckeown, Clough and Worthington one goal each.

Best: Declan, Lawlor, Stephenson, Boone and B.McKeown.