DISTRICTS BACK IN THE ZONE
Snappy Crocs chow down on Saints
THEY vowed to be switched on for the game of the season after being guilty of thinking too much in last week’s surprise loss to Waratah.
And Southern Districts delivered yesterday in their 11.7 (73) to 8.10 (58) victory over NTFL premiers St Mary’s at TIO Stadium.
With a record now reading nine wins and just one loss, they declared their intentions with a performance full of class.
Districts came out firing across the middle of the park early with a stack of forward-50 entries, but could not capitalise on many chances.
They could only boot one goal and take a three-point advantage into the first break.
But from the second quarter onwards Lionel Ogden took charge.
The speedy fullback, who racked up plenty of possessions, showed a great turn of foot to blitz down the right flank and spear in an accurate kick for Willie Farrer.
That saw the athletic full forward boot his first of six goals early in the second term, giving the Crocs a handy 15point lead in the low-scoring game.
Despite St Mary’s rediscov- ering their premiership-winning form of last season, with three straight wins coming into this game, they were guilty of crucial turnovers across the ground.
Former AFL player Jaryd Cachia produced another solid outing but was left to rue a kicking clanger that gave Farrer a free passage to goal to open up a 19-point Districts lead in the second term.
The Saints needed some inspiration in the third quarter.
And Raph Clarke, outstanding all game, provided that with a booming goal outside the 50m arc, just the Green Machine’s second major.
They should have had another soon after, following a brilliant coast-to-coast play that led to Ben Rioli uncharacteristically missing from in front of goal.
Two highlight-reel goals from the Crocs then all but buried Saints.
Jared Brennan hurdled over a Saints defender before threading the ball forward along the deck, with Farrer managing to get boot to ball in the goal square.
Leroy Jetta’s hanging mark shortly afterwards, and accurate kick, gave Districts a 27point lead before they held on in a tense final quarter.