by Des Rolfe

Spectators at Watsons Oval for the North Cairns versus Crocs clash on Saturday would have been forgiven if they thought they had been teleported to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

The game started in cold, damp conditions with a blustery wind blowing. North Cairns kicked with the breeze but Port Douglas kicked the first two goals. 

Sammy Boxall on his return to the Seniors kicked a 50 metre goal and Daniel Smith's disposal was at its delightful best.  Mitch Nicholson was reading the flow of play expertly and getting many effective possessions. 

Kane Uebergang exerted extreme pressure in the mid-field and Jackson Brown's aerial work early was great to watch.  The Crocs' better team-work resulted in a four goal lead. 
 
In the second quarter the breeze fell away.  North Cairns started faster but kicked inaccurately.  Mitch Nicholson continued to play a blinder and was in everything. 

Matt "Mansie" Manns in his 51st game for the club made his presence felt while Sammy Boxall kept finding the goals up forward. The Crocs' more accurate scoring saw them break away to a seven goal lead.
 
The wind dropped in intensity in the second half and so did the Crocs' players' pace.  Suddenly the contest became more even with North Cairns outscoring the Crocs five goals to two.
 
From the outset of the vital last quarter the signs were ominous for the Crocs.  North Cairns found a new gear as the Crocs slowed even more and were often caught out of position. 

Their skill level declined, easy marks were dropped and they were second to the contest.  North Cairns came home with a rush but somehow to the Crocs supporters' great relief Port Douglas managed to hang on and win the game.
 
The Reserves match showed the Crocs again in a ruthless mood dominating most positions on the ground.  The swirling wind made accurate kicking for goal diifficult but the final result was never in doubt. 

A very high standard of team work was again in evdence and the signs are all good leading into the final series.
 
Much loved coach Darren Wall's delivered the perfect conversion ratio - one kick, one goal!
 
Congratulations are due to Sam Evans on playing his 100th game for the club last week.  Great effort Sam. 
 
Next week the Crocs are at home to the Cairns City Lions.  This is the last home game at the Croc Pit for the season and we are celebrating Ladies Day.  We are hoping for a huge crowd to attend, so come and join the fun and cheer on our boys!
 
Final scores
 
Seniors
North Cairns 13-21-99 were defeated by Port Douglas 16-14-110.
 
Best players:  Daniel Smith, Mitch Nicholson, Sam Boxall, Jackson Brown, Ben McCartney, Luke Bloom
 
Goal kickers: Sam Boxall 4.  Daniel Smith 2.  Kane Uebergang 2.  Campbell Wurramarrba 2.
 
Reserves
 
North Cairns  1-1-7 were defeated by Port Douglas 17-23-125
 
Best players:  Chad Bertram, Jason Wilkie, Ben Herbert, Max Petrack, Kain Scarano, Jimmy Astill.
 
Goal kickers:  Jason Wilkie 5.  Kerrod Andrews 3.  Mitchell Duff 2.  Jack Goodall 2.  Matt Mitchell 2.
 
GO CROCS!