Port Douglas Crocs were at home to North Cairns at the Croc Pit on Saturday.  Conditions were cool with a stiff breeze favouring the club house end and acting Captain Ben McCartney led the Crocs on to the oval to start the match.
 
North Cairns leapt out of the stalls full of running and did all of the early scoring.  They had the assistance of the wind but inaccurate kicking for goal kept them within the Crocs' reach. 

After North Cairns had registered two majors, Crocs' first gamer, Hugh Spring, brought up the home team's first.  Persistent tackling by the Crocs during this first term kept North to a three goal lead.
 
The opening minutes of the second quarter showed that the visitors were travelling a little better than the Crocs.  As the quarter progressed, North managed to get on top in most positions on the ground. 

Injuries to Crocs' players Michael McKeown and Rohan Hanley made their task very difficult.  Kurt Bradshaw and Dylin Wearmouth were playing their usual gutsy hard ball games but they lacked assistance.
 
The second half showed more of the same.  The Crocs were struggling to get into the contest and Port's defenders were under constant attack.  A nice mark and goal to Scott Hamilton momentarily revived some hope for Port Douglas. 

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In the final quarter some excellent team work between Skip Gribbon and Luke Serong resulted in a goal, and then another to Daniel Harris helped lift team morale but unfortunately it was not to be the Crocs' day.
 
Final Scores: Port Douglas 12-7-79 def by North Cairns 20-21-141.
 
Best: K. Bradshaw.  S. Hamilton.  D. Wearmouth.  B. Cooper.
 
Goal kickers: S. Hamilton 4.  K. Bradshaw 3. H. Spring 2.  D. Harris.  M. Lane.  L.Serong.
 
RESERVES

The Reserves match was an enthralling contest.  North Cairns shot out to a seven goal lead at quarter time but the Crocs clawed their way back into the game to leave it all even at three quarter time. 

The last quarter went goal for goal with North Cairns clinching victory by one goal.  It was an excellent performance yet again from Jason Wilkie with seven goals.
 
Final Scores: Port Douglas 9-8-62 def by North Cairns 10-7-67.
 
Best:  J. Pearce.  C. Tickell.  M. Gard.  L. Butterss.  J. Brown.  M. Pidgeon
 
Goal kickers:  J. Wilkie 7.  S. Evans.  C. Nandy.
 
Next week Crocs have a bye.  Don’t forget the Bulls cricket match at the Croc Pit on Saturday. 
 
GO CROCS!

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