by Des Rolfe

On a beautiful day for football, Port Douglas Crocs journeyed south to Fretwell Park to tackle South Cairns.  

The most pleasing feature of the game from the Crocs' perspective was the exceptional teamwork on display, and again coach Andy Viola's game plan proved to be the deciding factor. As the players' confidence grows they are able to deliver the ball into the forward line with lightning speed.  

A low note on Saturday was the number of mis-kicks resulting in turnovers.  Even our more senior players were guilty at times.  It was indeed fortunate that South Cairns was unable to capitalise on these mistakes.  On the positive side it is still early days in season 2011 and the Crocs are lying second on the ladder and are in great form.  The 13 goal win confirmed this.
 
It was great to have Joel Lawlor back for his first game of the season and whilst he is not yet up to Black Caviar standard he showed very pleasing versatility.  The team also blooded a new recruit in David Kruse who did enough to suggest he will be a real asset.  The Newsport has reported that Matt and Craig Shaw and Daniel Fisher have realised they hate premature retirement and have strapped on the boots again for one more crack at the big time.  
 
Amongst some great highlights from Saturday's game were Sammy Boxall's seven goals.  As usual Sammy presented well all day and busted his guts.  Justin White proved to be a very useful foil to Sam finishing with three goals.  Daniel Smith was again Best On Ground and peppered the goals, kicking five.  

Kane Uebergang was his usual consistent self and dobbed four.  Scott Roberts and Mitch Nicholson were terrific through the mid-field.  And Brennan Beale dominated in the ruck providing plenty of armchair tap-outs to the small brigade, and Ryan Worn marked everything in sight.

It was great to see the Reserves maintain their unbeaten record for the season and now sit on top of the ladder.  Keep up the good work boys.  
 
Final Scores

Seniors:  
South Cairns 11-13-79 were defeated by Port Douglas 24-13-157.

Goal kickers:  Sam Boxall 7.   Daniel Smith 5.  Kane Uebergang 4.  Justin White 3.  

Best Players:  Daniel Smith, Scott Roberts, Sam Boxall, Mitch Nicholson, Ryan Worn, Brennan Beale.
 
Resrves:
South Cairns 7-8-50  were defeated by Port Douglas 11-5-71.

Goal kickers:  Jason Wilkie 5.  Matt Mitchell 3.  

Best players:  Ashley Currie, Karl Zammataro, Kain Scarano, Chad Bertram, Jackson Brown,  Jason Wilkie.
 
Next week the Crocs feature in the top of the table clash against the Manunda Hawks at the Crocpit.  This will be a crackerjack contest as these two teams vie for supremacy.  It's a must see game so try to be there.  

On Saturday night the Crocs players are staging their "Red Faces" Revue.  This gives the players a chance to make absolute fools of themselves without the coach bawling them out.  It will be a brilliant night of fun so come and join in.
 
GO CROCS!