By David Nagel
An energetic Pakenham Rugby League team has scored one its best wins for the season with the Eels bringing down top-of-the-ladder Eastern Raptors 18-10 on Saturday.
The Eels are now nestled second on the table in the Second Grade Men’s competition after a hugely successful trip to Colchester Reserve in Boronia.
The Eels score three tries to two against the Raptors with Tokorima Metua and Robert Aratangi both crossing the line, and Dominko Tuau converting two of his three attempts at goal.
The Eels had a one-man advantage just prior to half time after Halatau Tuima was sent to the sin bin for the Raptors.
The Eels were well-served by five-eighth and skipper Alan Leilua, while wingers Dylan Cox and Anton Ikupu also delivered in spades against the best team in the competition.
The Eels can refresh their legs this week, courtesy of a league-wide bye, before hosting the Sunbury Tigers at Comely Banks Reserve on Saturday 9 July.
The game commences at 3.15pm.
While the men were at Boronia, the Under-15 Boys travelled to Betula Reserve in Doveton to take on the Doveton Steelers.
The Steelers proved too strong, running in six tries, but the Eels were can certainly hold their heads high after a 26-18 score line.
While the win evaded them, the team continues to build a great offensive line with three tries being scored and all being converted for extra points.
Josh Tudrau and Andrew Frierdich were among the try-scorers for the Eels, who will continue to build their confidence in the latter part of the season.
The Pakenham Eels Under-15 Girls were also on the road, travelling to Fregon Reserve in Clayton to lock horns with the Waverley/Oakleigh Panthers.
The Eels were comfortably defeated, 48-28, however a further hat-trick to Kassidy Kahotea provided a highlight for the Eels to draw on.
All other junior age groups were split between Doveton and the South East Titans ground in Dandenong on Saturday.
