For the second time in three rounds the Pakenham Eels Second Grade Men’s team has had its scheduled game postponed due to a referee shortage at Rugby League Victoria.
The Eels Under-16 Girls and Under-18 Boys also felt the pinch on Saturday, with the three late-afternoon games scheduled for Comely Banks Recreation Reserve in Officer all postponed for the same reason.
The Eels senior team also had its round-10 clash against near-neighbour Casey Warriors postponed for their encounter at Casey Fields on June 28.
At this stage, dates are being confirmed in order for the unplayed games from the weekend to take place.
In games that were played, teams from the South East fared well, with Casey Warriors recording a strong 42-16 victory over Altona Roosters at Casey Fields.
The Warriors were all over the Roosters from the outset with Chad Bristow, Jesse Pokia, Deeken Barber, Kaiya Kaiwai-Rangikauhata, Jacob Edwards and Faafouina Taleo among the try scorers.
Kaiwai-Rangikauhata was almost perfect with conversion, sending six of seven attempts sailing over the cross bar.
Meanwhile, at Betula Reserve, seventh-placed Doveton Steelers kept their finals hopes alive with a grinding 22-18 victory over third-placed Eastern Raptors.
The Steelers took control of the contest early, scoring all four tries before the Raptors got on the board.
The wind made scoring difficult at one end, with the Raptors closing fast but unable to close the gap.
In other games this week, North West Wolves defeated top-of-the-ladder Melton Broncos 32-10 at home, while Werribee Bears stayed in touch of the top four with a 30-8 success over Truganina Rabbitohs.
NRL VICTORIA MEN’S SECOND GRADE
Results R12: North West Wolves 32 def Melton Broncos 10, Doveton Steelers 22 def Eastern Raptors 18, Werribee Bears 30 def Truganina Rabbitohs 8, Casey Warriors 42 def Altona Roosters 16, Pakenham Eels v Sunshine Cowboys (Match postponed due to referee shortage).
Ladder: Melton Broncos 19, North West Wolves 15, Eastern Raptors 15, Pakenham Eels 11, Casey Warriors 11, Werribee Bears 11, Doveton Steelers 10, Altona Roosters 10, Truganina Rabbitohs 6, Sunshine Cowboys -2.
Fixture R13: North West Wolves v Casey Warriors, Sunshine Cowboys v Werribee Bears, Altona Roosters v Melton Broncos, Eastern Raptors v Pakenham Eels, Truganina Rabbitohs v Doveton Steelers.
