By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE Pakenham Silverbacks are again the kings of the jungle after a dream start to the new Gridiron Victoria Division-2 season.
The pride of Pakenham, led superbly by quarterback Steve Mclean with four touchdowns – including a spectacular 52-yard running effort – downed the Northern Raiders 24-18 on Saturday morning at Maryvale Reserve in Morwell and currently share top spot in the Division-2 standings.
The Raiders came out of the blocks with a real purpose, matching the ball down the field at every given opportunity. But the Silverbacks’ defense stepped up.
The Silverbacks got smashed on its first drive on offense, with Adam Kolinski sustaining an ankle injury, but Pakenham then made some key adjustments – leading to Mclean’s 52-yard quarterback sneak for their first score.
The Silverbacks’ defense continued to impress, with sacks to Jack Lonie and Glenn Milton and some huge hits from Tommy Trimble, also Mclean through two touchdown passes to Jason Howlett and another to Ben Hiam.
But, in a similar pattern to the beginning of the first half, the Raiders again came out strong in the second – with Silverbacks tight-end Kane Latham picking up the side’s second ankle injury of the contest.
The Raiders were suddenly relentless in their march, scoring 18 unanswered points, but that trademark Silverback defense again held strong when it mattered most and a late catch and run to Aaron Verbakel moved the ball out of danger as time expired.
Pakenham will travel to Doug Dean Reserve in Delacombe this Saturday for a clash with the Bendigo Dragons.
