By David Nagel
Pakenham is off to a flying start in the Rugby League Victoria Second Grade Men’s competition after the Eels held firm against a fast-finishing Altona Roosters on Saturday.
The Eels eventually took the points 28-22 in a game that completely changed complexion after half-time.
Pakenham, fresh and fired up for a big game after a round-one forfeit by Werribee, came out snarling in the opening stages of the round-two match up.
The Eels piled on five tries without answer with winger Toa Vakameilalo and lock Troy Pulupaki scoring two each, while half-back Damascus Lota crossed the line for the other.
Despite their first-half dominance, only two of the five tries were converted…leaving the door slightly ajar for a Roosters’ second-half resurgence.
And that’s exactly what took place as the visitors roared their way back into the contest.
The Roosters put four tries on the board, with Niko Silao and Blessing Sehweah among the Roosters’ try-scorers who probed strongly until finding a weakness in the Eels’ defence.
A lone second-half try to Apisalome Belebele repelled the onslaught for Pakenham, who noticeably tired after a stellar first-half performance.
Alongside its forfeit from round one, the win over the Roosters sees the Eels promoted to the top rung on the premiership ladder.
A massive clash waits this week, with Pakenham hosting its nearest-neighbour Casey Warriors in a mouth-watering encounter at Comely Banks Reserve this Saturday.
The Warriors will have fresh legs on the weekend, with their opponents Sunshine Cowboys unable to field a team and forced to forfeit in round two on Saturday.
Results R2: North West Wolves 18 drew with Eastern Raptors 18, Werribee Bears 10 def by Melton Broncos 20, Pakenham Eels 28 def Altona Roosters 22, Casey Warriors def Sunshine Cowboys (Forfeit).
Ladder: Pakenham Eels 4, Melton Broncos 4, North West Wolves 3, Eastern Raptors 3, Casey Warriors 2, Truganina Rabbitohs 0, Altona Roosters 0, Sunshine Cowboys 0, Werribee Bears -2.
Fixture R3: Werribee (9) v Altona (7), Sunshine (8) v Eastern (4), Pakenham (1) v Casey (5), Melton (2) v North West (3). Bye: Truganina (6).
