Nothing split North Cairns and Saints after regular time in a wet AFL Cairns Preseason Cup grand final, extra time required to eventually crown Saints champions and defend the title they won last season.
It was the first time in AFL Cairns history that the Preseason Cup was decided in extra time. Heavy rain overnight continued Saturday, turning Cazalys into a mudbath and making any enterprising play difficult. It didn't stop Norths' entertainer Dwayne Bosen from flying high in the first half for two big marks as the Tigers opened up a small lead.
That was overrun by halftime, Saints taking a 19-18 advantage to the main break. Every individual contest was a battle in the second half and the teams could not be split, finishing locked at 5.5(35) at full time. Club presidents conferred with AFL Cairns officials to organise two extra periods of five minutes, and it was not until the second instalmlent that Saints broke the deadlock with three behinds. In a sometimes fiery ecnounter, it was the perfect appetiser to what shapes as an entertaining tussle between them this season.
Both squads had senior players unavailable, who will slot into their sides for Round 1 starting this Thursday. In a practice match before the final, South Cairns 11.14(80) defeated Centrals Trinity Beach 6.9(45). Saints open their season against Manunda at Cazalys on Thursday at 8pm, while the Tigers face Cairns City Lions in a 3pm Good Friday clash at Watson's Oval. Port Douglas host Centrals Trinity Beach on Thursday from 8pm in the first game under lights at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex.
Last Modified on 08/05/2013 13:37