Sport
7 June, 2024
Port set for sound win
THE last two men’s premiers enter this 2nd vs 3rd match-up separated by a measly 19 points on the ladder, as in, that’s how close their percentage is after four wins each.
Cairns City Lions vs Port Douglas Crocs at ITEC Group Oval
Both teams will know that a win here will go a long way to securing a top two finish by season’s end, particularly with Norths also on 16 points.
Port had the bye last week as they slowly but surely come back to their full-strength side, while Lions saw off a gallant Saints team.
It could come down to a battle of damage limitation by each defensive unit. Port forward Brett McKeown and Lions forward 50 stalwart Tyron Rainbird kicked seven and eight goals respectively in their last match.
Prediction: Port by 15
Manunda Hawks vs Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs at
Cazaleys
A DESPERATE clash looms at Cazalys for both these teams.
Hawks, who are still winless, have been rueing the round 1 clash between these two teams for months now after they were beaten by a measly point.
That was the closest they had come to winning an A-grade game since round 1, 2022.
For the Bulldogs, they will be very keen to move on from their 147-point loss at the hands of Cutters last week.
The margin did not do the Dogs any favours against a Cutters team who were truly rampant and insatiable, but they will want to be better with both their territory to scoring shots and their scoring shots to goals conversion, especially with Ezekial Frank on the other side.
Prediction: Hawks by 3
North Cairns Tigers vs Cairns Saints at Watson’s Oval
A CLASH brimming with intrigue awaits spectators at Watson’s Oval on Saturday as these two teams prepare to meet for the second time.
Norths set the competition alight in their first 2.75 games before running hot and cold since then. Of particular concern is the recent trend of teams kicking a run of goals on them, despite not doing a lot wrong.
The Saints will be looking to exploit that as they continue to build and rebuild in season 2024.
A very strong showing against a far more fancied Lions team last week would have buoyed the squad.
A win against the Tigers would have them squarely sitting in finals dark horse territory.
Prediction: Tigers by 20
