By David Nagel
Pakenham Eels travelled over the Westgate Bridge as a united club on Saturday to celebrate ‘Women In League’ round with some big games against the Melton Broncos.
‘Women In League’ round was first held in 2007 and celebrates the magnificent contribution of women in rugby league.
Unfortunately for the Eels the Under-15 Girls were the only team to have a bye, but it didn’t stop the club from getting behind a significant weekend for the sport.
The big game of the weekend saw the Eels Second Grade Men’s team take on the Broncos on their own patch of turf in a huge round-16 match up.
The Eels prevailed over the Broncos, 38-6, but not before a very competitive first half.
Despite putting on an early try it was a slow start for the Eels, with the Broncos replying quickly with their next set of six.
The first half was a display of solid defensive lines by the Broncos which saw some costly mistakes by the Eels.
The second half was a far more impressive display, with the Eels holding the Broncos scoreless and continuing to demonstrate a quick play of the ball.
The Eels shifted the ball brilliantly from side to side, creating holes in the Broncos’ defence and setting up a very comfortable victory.
The Eels spread the load evenly in attack, with seven individual try-scorers proving too much for the Broncos to handle.
Anton Ikupu, Devereaux Sionetali, Dylan Cox, Abel Salesulu, Tokorima Metua and Sadaris Lefau all ran over the try-line, while Jayden Taylor did likewise and converted five of seven attempts at goal.
The Second Grade Men’s side remains second on the ladder behind the Eastern Raptors, with two more rounds to play before the finals commence.
The Under 15 Boys, coming off the back of a strong win, faced the Northern Thunder who sit second on the ladder.
The Eels confronted a strong and well-drilled outfit, with the Thunder running in seven tries with six of those converted.
Hamana Tibble-Power kept Eels’ spirits alive with an unconverted try.
Thunder cemented their second place on the ladder with a 40-4 victory.
The Eels return home this week, with the senior men’s team taking on Eastern Raptors at 3.15pm at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve in Officer.
