SPORT DIGEST: Triumph and heartache for Shire teams as finals start to kick off
Around grounds
The undefeated Port Douglas men's senior team made light work of the third-placed Trinity Bulldogs at home on Saturday, with the final margin 66 points.
The Crocs led at every change and gradually increased the margin each quarter to win 21.17 (143) to 11.11 (77).
In the first quarter star forward Kye Chapple kicked his 1200th career goal - which includes more than 900 for Port Douglas - with teammates running from other parts of the ground to help celebrate the milestone.
Chapple ended up kicking seven goals on the day, while Shay Linke got four.
Best for the Crocs were Ben McPhee, Max Hemphill, Thomas Cantwell, Jack Ganley, Ethan Baxter and Zayne Moore.
The twilight women’s game was a tighter affair, with the Crocs eventually going down by 20 points, 3.2 (20) to 5.10 (40).
Port Douglas was six points down at three quarter time, but Trinity pulled away in the last stanza.
Best for Port were Caity McPhee, Kayla McInerney, Zhalie Patterson, Ella Jones, Hannah Hyland and Kirra Revell.
This Saturday the teams are away at North Cairns.
Soccer
Douglas United thrashed Leichhardt 6-0 on Friday night at home at Cassowary Park.
Tyron Drumm and Georges Laulhe both got braces, while Javier Puertos and Cialand Dollard scored a goal each.
This Friday the Dragons are away to Innisfail in Cairns.
Netball
The Douglas Netball Association Preliminary Final will be played tonight in Port Douglas after last week’s match was postponed due to rain.
Cougars take on Bite Back Ballers tonight, with the winner scheduled to play FNQ Chaos in next week’s Grand Final.
The league is also starting a Fast Five competition for players aged 16-and-over from Tuesday, August 18, with registrations open until this Friday, August 7.
To register call 0418774991.
Rugby union
The Reef Raiders lost to top team JCU Mariners 5-31 on the weekend, with Damien Friedrichs the lone try scorer.
After being in the top four most of the season, the Raiders have been decimated by injuries and other withdrawals in the past few games, and have missed out on the finals.
Southside's narrow 26-25 victory over Barron saw it leapfrog the Raiders into the final top-four position.
The first finals round, however, is scheduled to be played in Port Douglas this Saturday, with women’s, reserves and seniors games all taking place from 12.20pm.
Rugby league
Mossman Sharks were no match for Southern Suburbs on the weekend, going down 16-88.
Brodie Myers, Cameron Hooker and Kieshon Hunter-Flanders scored the tries.
This Sunday the Sharks are at home to Innisfail from 3pm in the final minor-round fixture.
