CUTTERS FIND THEIR WIN MOJO

AFTER a pair of recent “confronting and frustrating” losses at Fretwell Park, South Cairns needed a victory any way they could get it at home.

The Cutters are not used to dropping many games at their fortress but Centrals Trinity Beach and Manunda climbed the mountain earlier this year and Cairns Saints looked on the way to doing the same on Saturday afternoon.

Saints coach Tim Lamprill pleaded with his troops at three-quarter time to make the final term their turning point of the season and they responded accordingly.

The hosts took a 16-point advantage into the final change, which was quickly overturned, following majors from Saints Keenan George, Kieran Daley and Cade Wellington, his fifth of the afternoon, to steal the lead at the seven-minute mark.

Saints had their chances to extend the lead further but were sloppy in front of goal before the experienced heads of the Cutters stood up.

The momentum was with visitors but Cutters found a way late on as playing-coach Cameron Campbell, Dwayne Bosen and Sam Fary booted the last three goals of the game to seal the victory, 15.11 (101) — 13.9 (87).

It was a vital four points for the Cutters as they stayed in touch with the Bulldogs in pursuit of a top two AFL Cairns finish.

“We played well in patches but when Saints got on top, we kept grinding it out,” Campbell said.

“We had lapses every quarter of a couple of minutes or so which is costing us and that is the difference between us being really good or really poor.

“I am not used to losing too many down here. It is pretty confronting and frustrating when you do.

“The way we played against Saints and Hawks a couple of weeks ago, they were polar opposites. It was a much better performance.”

Cutters youngster Karl Petri showed some positive signs on debut with two goals while Thomas Borrillo, in his third game for the club, also showed glimpses.

For Saints, it was arguably their best performance of the season since they beat the Bulldogs in Round 3 at Crathern Park and was a huge improvement on their 79-point smashing the last time they faced the Cutters.

Rohan Couch was solid across halfback for Saints while Ryan Fielding was strong deep in defence despite Dwayne Bosen finishing with three goals.

Lamprill was happy with his side’s application to the contest.

“It has been a focus the aggression and the attack on the footy,” Lamprill said.

“It was an improvement. The effort was better and hopefully we can go one better next week.”

I AM NOT USED TO LOSING TOO MANY DOWN HERE, IT IS PRETTY CONFRONTING AND FRUSTRATING WHEN YOU DO

CUTTERS COACH CAMERON CAMPBELL