By David Nagel
Pakenham Eels are setting themselves for a stunning eclipse of Sunshine when the two teams meet in the NRL Victoria Second Grade Men’s competition elimination final on Saturday.
The Eels make the short trip to Casey Fields confident of success after having the upper hand over the Cowboys throughout the course of the season.
The two teams played out a thrilling draw in the opening round of competition before the Eels emerged victorious in three subsequent contests.
The Eels had two away victories, winning 24-16 and 20-8, before producing a dominant 32-0 display at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve in their most recent match-up in round 15.
But the Eels will have to turn around some losing form, with Pakenham going down 20-4 to second-placed Sunbury Tigers on Saturday.
Full-back Anton Ikupu score the Eels only try, with the Tigers running home three of their own to reverse a 34-16 scoreline from round 13.
Tiaan Wilkins scored a double for the Tigers, while five-eighth Josh Berryman added another to see the Tigers leapfrog the Eels into second place on the ladder.
Tigers’ captain Alti Porter had his kicking boots on, converting all three tries and a penalty goal as well.
Pakenham and Sunshine kick-off their cut-throat eliminator at 2pm this Saturday.
The Eels under-15 boys will also take part in elimination final action this week despite a 34-6 loss to Doveton Steelers.
The Eels will need to turn things around quickly, with the Steelers also this weekend’s opponent.
No matter this week’s result, it’s been a great season for the Eels in their first season in competition grade.
There are promising signs that the continued development of several players will see them achieve senior representation in the near future and over the coming years.
Maxwell Plummer scored the Eels only try, with Scott Leilua nailing the conversion.
And an injury-ravaged under-15 girls’ team was defeated 66-6 by the Casey Warriors on Saturday.
Autupuna Williams-McGregor scored the only try for the Eels, before stepping back and making the conversion.
The Eels finished the home-and-away season in fifth place, a great result in their first year of competition together.
FIXTURES
ELIMINATION FINALS
SECOND GRADE SENIOR MEN’S
Pakenham Eels v Sunshine Cowboys
Casey Fields Saturday at 2pm
UNDER 15 BOYS
Pakenham Eels v Doveton Steelers
Casey Fields Saturday at 9am
