An enthralling cat and mouse game of football was played out at Fretwell Park on Saturday.  There were more comebacks by both teams than John Farnham has had farewell concerts.  
 
From the opening bounce to the final siren the result was always in doubt.  The home team, Cutters, threw everything they had at the Crocs - and the Crocs hurled it straight back.  

The lead changed constantly as first one team took the ascendant position only to find their opponents refusing to lie down and capitulate.
 
With ten minutes of play left in the final quarter Cutters sneaked away to a 14 point lead and it was all over Red Rover.  Somehow - it is impossible to explain how - the Crocs rallied, steadied and surged toward goal again and again.  The intensity and commitment by both teams in this final stanza were at fever pitch.  Every player forgot that he was exhausted and just kept on boring in.
 
When the final siren blew, the scoreboard showed the Crocs ahead by one point.  It was the greatest escape seen since Steve McQueen jumped the wire on his motorcycle.  But had the spectators had their money's worth? Yes indeed! A great game.
 
The match had commenced in cool, overcast conditions with showers making both the ground surface, and the Sherrin, slippery.
 
Adam Boone at centre-half forward was strong early and battled tirelessly all day.  Kurt Bradshaw was a ball magnet and racked up numerous telling possessions.  Lukas Teasdale was palming the ball effectively in the ruck.  Mark Nuggin was at his nippy tenacious best on a wing.
 
A great kick from Tom Bowring to Gavin Jacks brought up the Crocs' first goal.  But goals were hard to come by.  
 
The following three quarters mirrored the first.  The low scores were due to the ball rocketing from one end to the other only to be swept away.  Neither team could break the defensive shackles. At the long break Cutters held a 13 point buffer.  

The Crocs started the third quarter at full speed and kept up the momentum.  Alex Bendle to Kasakoff - goal.  Adam Boone - goal.  Adam Boone from a 50 metre penalty - another.  Kasakoff again - goal.  KB runs in - snaps another.  Crocs' noses were just in front.
 
And so....the final quarter.  Dale Lappin contesting hard.  Rowan Handley flying high.  Dylan Wearmouth in like a terrier after a rat stealing the ball from his opponent. Ben Young running hard at it.  Every player contributing.  Cutters withstanding the challenge!  A game neither team deserved to lose.  A solitary point the difference.
 
Crocs 12-16-88 def. Cutters 12-15-87.
 
Best: K. Bradshaw.  D. Lappin.  B. Young.  R. Hanley.  A. Boone. D. Wearmouth.
 
Goals: A. Boone 4.  B. Kazakoff 2.  D. Wearmouth 2.  K.  Bradshaw 2.  T. Bowring. T. Jacks.

The Reserves match was also a nip and tuck affair, with both teams playing well and refusing to knuckle under.  Jimmy Astill was throwing himself into the fray and getting numerous touches.  Mitch Nicholson was making good use of the ball and Ethan McCulloch was in fine form and finished with four goals.  

Kane Freyling was kicking long to position and Chasely Nandy was prominent for the whole game. Corey Barter was having a good one, and John Caswell and Will Ratcliffe were in everything.  Cutters staged a late revival but the Crocs prevailed to get home by 11 points.
 
Crocs 9-12-66 def. Cutters 8-7-55
 
Best: C. Barter.  J. Caswell.  C. Nandy.  M. Nicholson.  W. Ratcliffe.

Next week Crocs are at home to the Saints in a twilight encounter.  3pm start for Reserves.  5 pm Seniors. Make it your business to be there!
 
GO CROCS!