By David Nagel
The premiership aspirations of Pakenham are officially over for 2024 after the Eels lost 30-24 to bottom-placed Frankston Raiders in NRL Victoria’s Second Grade Men’s competition on Saturday.
The Eels needed a win to stay in finals contention, while the Raiders were out to win their first game of the year after a very challenging season.
The Raiders came out breathing fire, putting two tries on the board before the Eels responded with their first points for the afternoon.
The teams went try for try after the Raiders opening burst, but the damage had already been done for Pakenham.
The kicking from both teams was imperious, with Semiti Ruanaivalu kicking five-from-five for the Raiders, while Nathaniel Johansson-Joseph had his boots dialled in for the Eels.
The Eels conclude their season at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve on Saturday when they host the fifth-placed Melton Broncos.
Elsewhere, Casey Warriors moved to fourth place on the table after 30-14 victory over North West Wolves.
Rhylis Hohepa scored two tries for the Warriors, while additional singles from Djandre Spellman, Febrick Addi and John Faoa-Palalagi proved too much for the Wolves to handle.
The Warriors return to Casey Fields this Saturday for a huge clash against top-of-the-table Northern Thunder.
