Over-powered but Lions put up solid fight
CAIRNS City Lions have fought valiantly against a rampaging South Cairns Cutters determined to remain in the premiership hunt in 2017.
A paltry crowd witnessed the spirited Lions’ 2.3 (15) to 48.17 (305) defeat at Power Park in Gordonvale on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions worked hard in every quarter with a late goal from full-forward Malcolm Dotoi drawing rousing cheers, while strong contributions from midfielder Josh Brinn and undersized defender Matthew White served as some consolation for the club.
But the Cutters’ impressive midfield proved too strong with representative star Zac Ewer kicking 13 goals in a best on ground performance.
Ewer’s tally was only eclipsed by that of player-coach Cameron Campbell, who slotted 15 majors in his 199th game.
Lions coach Syd Fatnowna said the emergence of quality players from within his squad gave him confidence the club would improve in 2018.
“It’s not about the scoreboard … it’s (about) endeavour,” Fatnowna said. “I can’t fault it with the boys week-inweek-out. Their toughness is more than what any coach could ask for. They’re having a real crack.
“Brinny’s had an excellent season. I think the boys are fairly tired at the moment and waiting for the last four games.
“We just want to finish off strongly.”
The win turns around a three-game losing streak for the Cutters.
Coach Campbell said despite the scoreboard, the Lions showed plenty of promise.
“We all know Lions are doing their best to field a team each week. It’s admirable what they’re doing,” he said.
“Their young fellas are trying to compete and that’s all you can ask for.
“Everyone goes through it … hopefully there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Campbell and club veteran Mick Markham will notch up their 200th games for the Cutters next week against North Cairns Tigers.
“I’ve played all my juniors here. To be able to do it (play my 200th game) with Mick will be a special day,” he said.
At Port Douglas, the Crocs’ handball game through the middle of the ground cut up another opponent. This week it was Cairns Saints.
Saints, without key forward pairing Tim Lamprill and Lachlan Poulter, had their share of opportunities but failed to convert their chances.
The Crocs absorbed the early pressure, then ran riot as their deep on-ball unit ran in waves through the middle of the ground to hit up forwards Kye Chapple and Lee Staple. Port Douglas Crocs 6.2-38 10.666 14.6-90 18.13-121 Cairns Saints 0.1-1 1.2-8 2.3-15 3.3-21 Port Douglas Crocs Goal Kickers: L. Fanning 4, B. Wall 3, A. Macleod 2, A. Davidson 2, K. Sexton 2, T. Gulliver, J. Mawson, N. Goodman, S. Roberts Best Players: A. Davidson, K. Oates, L. Fanning, T. OrfordGlapa, K. Sexton Cairns Saints Goal Kickers: D. Lewis-Jones 2 Best Players: S. Poepjes, T. LakeCarroll, A. Couch, D. Lewis-Jones, T. Mackrill, D. Greenwoool Pyramid Power 3.2-20 5.3-33 7.6-48 7.9-51 South Cairns Cutters 2.2-14 5.636 6.9-45 11.11-77 Pyramid Power Goal Kickers: D. Floyd 4, T. Sammons, C. Sullivan, L. Carmody Best Players: C. Waldon, V. Mundraby, D. Floyd, T. Mooka, C. Sullivan, M. Sam South Cairns Cutters Goal Kickers: G. Ptasznik 2, C. Wanders 2, J. Barnett 2, J. Farley-Smith 2, K. Petri, K. Gibbs, I. Solly Best Players: S. Weidner, J. Farley-Smith, J. Barnett, P. Buller, C. Wanders, G. Ptasznik