Crocs come so close to snapping St Marys

SOUTHERN Districts blew a golden chance to end St Marys’ 27- match winning streak when they were pipped at the post by one point in an NTFL thriller at TIO Stadium yesterday.

Matt Cannard’s fourth goal to extend the Crocs’ lead to 24 points at the 15-minute mark of the last quarter had his side on the brink of an upset victory.

But the defending premiers came from the clouds with the last four majors, and Lucas White sent his teammates into a frenzy with a running goal moments before the siren to steal a 13.7 (85) to 11.17 (84) victory.

It was St Marys’ 28th consecutive win since losing the opening round of last season to Central Australia in Alice Springs. Captain Peter Macfarlane said experience and a never-say-die attitude was what counted in the final minutes.

‘‘We just hate to lose and the game is not over until the final siren for us,’’ he said.

‘‘Districts are a good side. We were glad it was a tough game because we had a few easy ones in the lead-up to it, so it was nice to get good competition.’’

Districts trailed by 12 points at quarter-time and wasted a number of chances in the second, kicking 3.6 to 3.2 for an eight-point deficit at the long break.

They hit the lead for the first time of the match in time-on of the third and carried a six-point lead into the final change.

Goals to Dean Staunton, Damian Cupido and Cannard to start the last had the Crocs full of running. But White converted a set shot at the 24-minute mark and within five minutes, Darren Ewing unloaded from 50m, Jarred Ilett goalled off a Willie Rioli pass, and White found an inch of space for his third.

Raph Clarke, John Anstess and Jack Long held the key defensive posts well and Leroy Larson (two) was important in setting up play in the Saints attack.