By David Nagel
Comely Banks Recreation Reserve – the flash new home of the Pakenham Eels – came alive on Saturday as the locals hosted teams from Mernda, Sunbury and Truganina in some red-hot Rugby League action.
The competition has reached round five in the Storm Junior League season, while round nine of the Storm Premiership Second Grade Men’s competition saw the Eels host a young and hungry team from the Sunbury Tigers.
The Tigers speed and ball movement proved too great for the Eels defence, with the visitors running in seven tries to one in a comprehensive 34-4 victory.
Ronan Gould and Nehumi Teu scored twice each for the Tigers, while singles to Manny Vili, Jake Fox and Zavier Tetevano saw the game taken away from the Eels in very impressive fashion.
Typically, Pakenham did fight the game out to the final siren with Charlie Ropiani driving in the home side’s only score for the match.
The seniors will be hoping to turn things around this week, as they travel across to the west and take on the Sunshine Cowboys.
The under-15 girls had the bye this week, while the under-15 boys hosted a switched on and highly-organised unit from Truganina.
The Rabbitohs sit on top of the table for a reason and scored eight tries to three to run out 42-16 winners.
Detroit Williams-Hale was unstoppable for the Rabbits, but the Eels can certainly hold their heads high despite the losing margin.
The side continues to grow in confidence and were able to show much determination, coming out in the second half and moving the ball well and scoring against a well-structured defensive outfit.
Carlos Selio, Andy Frierdich and Rawiri Stonehouse ran in some quality tries for the Eels.
The Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club prides itself on providing a safe, inclusive and alcohol-free environment for the whole family.
