CUTTERS TOO SHARP FOR LIONS

THE effort and endeavour is not quite turning into victories just yet for Cairns City Lions but playing-coach Aaron Davey cannot fault his playing group.

Lions recorded 21 scoring shots on Saturday afternoon, the most of any game this season including their breakthrough win, in their hardfought loss to South Cairns at Holloways Beach.

The bottom-of-the-ladder Lions trailed by two-points at the first change and booted the first two majors of the second term, through talented youngsters Hakeem Flowers and Kevin Canendo, to give the Cutters a little scare.

The experienced South Cairns outfit settled as they approached halftime, putting on six of the next seven goals, before going on to win, 8.13 (61) – 16.13 (109).

Lions blooded their debutant Jay Frankland in the ruck and shifted big man Liam Woodcock-Nowlan forward, a move Davey thought was key to their competitiveness.

“I can see the development in the team from Round 2, when we last played South, in the season until now,” Davey said.

“We had every opportunity to kick a score against South Cairns, we missed a few easy ones, and unfortunately if you do not hit them, good sides like South make you pay.

“I was really impressed with Jay and having Liam play up forward gave us a bit more structure as a side. I am impressed with how the boys are going.”

Skipper James Dixon, Jake Roach and Damien Dewis led the way for the Cutters as they bounced back from their loss to CTB Bulldogs last Saturday.

Up at Port Douglas, the Crocs had their own carnivale as they handed North Cairns their second straight flogging.

Port Douglas had 11 different goal kickers in the rout, including five multiple goal kickers as captain Kye Chapple kicked six. SHIFT: Liam Woodcock-Nowlan.