By David Nagel
Pakenham Eels will enjoy a winning feeling in their week off over the King’s Birthday weekend after making it back-to-back victories with an 18-8 success over Waverley Panthers on Saturday.
The Eels fell behind early in their NRL Victoria Second Grade Men’s clash, but lifted their intensity shortly after to score a very impressive victory.
The Panthers were on the board early after Joe Vatusaqata crossed in the eighth-minute of play, before the Eels took the lead after a try from Damascus Lota was converted by Jayden Taylor.
The Panthers once again hit the front, before the Eels piled on the pressure late in the first half and into the second stanza, maintaining a high possession count.
Komisi Aiava crossed the line to give the Eels the ascendency, before AJ Ikupu Jnr made the most of a knock-on by the Panthers – just metres from the line – to seal the impressive win.
The Eels scored three tries to two, but had the better of the scoreboard battle with all three tries being converted, while the Panthers failed both times in piercing the uprights.
The Eels will now take a well-earned rest before a long-awaited return to Comely Banks Recreation Reserve on Saturday 17 June to take on competition front-runners the Casey Warriors.
The news wasn’t as good for the Eels under 16 and under 18 teams, with both going down in super-competitive performances against the Sunbury Tigers.
The under-18s scored twice in the first 10 minutes, before being overrun 28-10 by Sunbury, with Ratu Rokotuinasau amongst the Eels early scorers.
And Atticus Buchanan scored for the under-16 team in a 22-8 loss to Sunbury.
The Eels never gave up all day and will take some confidence into their next outing against Truganina at home on June 17.
Senior Men’s Results: Waverley Panthers 8 def by Pakenham Eels 18, Eastern Raptors 12 def by Sunshine Cowboys 42, Casey Warriors 38 def Truganina Rabbitohs 14.
Ladder: Casey 14, Sunshine 10, Eastern 8, Waverley 8, Pakenham 8, Truganina -2.
Fixture R9 (June 17): Truganina (6) v Sunshine (2), Eastern (3) v Waverley (4), Pakenham (5) v Casey (1).
