By David Nagel
The Pakenham Eels Under-18 team stole the show at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve on Saturday with some great passages of play leading to a 28-18 victory over Altona Roosters.
The enthusiastic Eels scored five tries to three in total – with four of those converted – but it was some great teamwork from Phoenix Joe and full-back Sterling Stuski that grabbed the spotlight.
Phoenix took control of the ball on the right wing, before getting creative and chipping it over the Altona defensive line.
Stuski spotted the opportunity provided by Phoenix and raced onto the loose ball and took it over the try-line to set up a crucial six-point play.
It was a very even match throughout, with the brilliance of Phoenix and Stuski helping the Eels to their first triumph of the season.
Comely Banks was a busy place to be on the weekend with the Eels hosting visiting teams from Northern Thunder, Altona Roosters, Doveton Steelers, South Eastern Titans and local rivals and top of the ladder Casey Warriors in the Second Grade Senior Men’s.
The Warriors outclassed the Eels in dominant fashion, putting their stamp on the competition once again with a commanding 68-4 thumping of the home side.
Casey replicating the same offence it did in the round-one clash between the two sides, with the Eels defence coming under attack from an aggressive forward pack.
The Eels didn’t fare well, also suffering two outs during the game due to high contact eventuating to head rule protocols and players taken from the game.
Siale Kautai scored the Eels only try for the game.
In Under-16 boys, Altona got the better of an improving Eels outfit by 30 points to 10.
This week the Eels are away, with seniors heading to Waverley grounds at Fregon Reserve hoping to replicate their performance against them a few weeks back, while the 16’s head to Betula Reserve to take on the Doveton Steelers.
The 18s, hot off their big victory…have the bye.
