South Cairns had a convincing 52-point win against last year’s grand finalist the Cairns Saints 23.10 (154) to 16.12 (102) at Griffith Park on Saturday.
Played in windy conditions Cutters captain Luke Cannard won the toss and elected to kick with a strong southerly wind to the northern end.
Despite some early poor disposal in the attacking 50m, Souths had a 14-point lead at the first break.
Cutter’s started dictating terms towards the end of the second quarter when their midfield commenced bringing the ball out of the square from the bounce.
Neither side had changed the 38-point half time lead to the visitors when the umpires called time and stopped the game for several minutes.
Young Saint 19-year-old Matt Kane was stretched off with a severe lower left leg injury after innocuously backing into traffic at centre-half back.
The tri-colours played with a near full squad and both teams entered the contest off big wins from the previous week.
The Saints handed out of 95-point thrashing to an under strength defending premiers the Manunda Hawks at Cazalys last Sunday. South’s cut up Centrals Trinity Beach at Fretwell by 70-points
Cutters teenager Mick Markham ably went about his tagging role of Saints player-coach Mark Kennedy.
The 19-year-old nullified the impact of 2007 coach of the year, though the mentor still managed two majors for his side.
Full forward and the home teams spearhead in attack Matthew Walsh replicated last Saturday’s performance booting six goals.
Saints veteran Matthew Turner admitted he could have celebrated his 150th game for the club in better circumstances.
“It would have been nice to get a win in this milestone game,” Turner said.
“It was a rude awakening after beating Souths in the pre-season competition.”
The 34-year is the first player in the club’s A-grade history to notch-up 150 call up’s.
He will play his 200th AFL Cairns game next weekend when the Saints meet Port Douglas at Port Douglas Sporting Complex. He played 49 matches for North Cairns.
“I have enjoyed a long and happy career in Cairns,” he said.
“It’s coming to a close, but it still has a few games left in it yet.
“I still enjoy playing the game.
“I thought last season was going to be my last, but my form was good so I continued on.”
Cutters coach Steve Daniel impressed with his team’s improvements after wayward kicking last week had 18 minors posted.
“Our kicking for goal was much better and we just used the ball more efficiently than our game against Centrals,” Daniel said.
“They all stuck to the tasks I gave them and it’s great to have a win.”
The victory even sweeter for the Cutters considering Laurence Angwin, Andrew Douglas, Cam Campbell, Matt Cannard and Ty Harrison are yet to return to the starting 22.
By Beverly Warnest
Last Modified on 11/02/2009 10:12