South Cairns have slipped outside the AFL Cairns top four after a narrow loss to much improved Centrals at Fretwell Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Cutters rallied in front of their home crowd after a disastrous first quarter, but a tired Bulldogs unit found a little extra to keep their lead and notch a win for the season.
Their 14.13(97) to 13.10(88) triumph delighted the support group who had travelled south from the beaches and it showed they were improving, considering the near-100 point margin in the sides' last meeting.
Goal-less in the first term, Souths looked lost and the coaching staff were literally scratching their heads at the first break, searching for some answers.
They found one in the form of Michael Douglas (four goals), who was inspirational for this club as his regular majors helped Souths claw back.
His last, from a tight angle in the left pocket, got them within nine points after they started the final term down 20.
Goal celebrations were curtailed almost immediately though by the final siren.
Earlier it was one of the Bulldogs favourites, Joel Kreeck who snuck one through to keep the Dogs ahead.
Another soon after to Clint Guy was the decisive moment, though, and was appropriately celebrated.
Delighted coach Peter Seymour gave club stalwart Norma Crathern a high five following the win, before bellowing out the team song in the visitors change rooms.
At the same time, Cutters' player-coach Dan Lock blew a gasket, dressing down his troops.
Seymour said it was a tough effort, considering they were again left with no bench.
"That's four games in a row now where injuries have hit and we're left with no-one," he said.
"We've run out of legs each time, but we managed to stop their momentum (and maintain the lead)."
The coach blooded two more guest players yesterday and said that helped them get off to a flyer.
"It makes a massive difference," he said.
Khyle Goodman was among the Bulldogs' best, his composure in the midfield helping Beau Seymour to four goals, while Guy, Tyson Ednie, Andrew Bakker and Travis Hayes were again strong for Centrals.
Lock, along with fellow senior men Paul Buller and Mick Markham battled hard for Souths.
Last Modified on 31/07/2013 15:45