By David Nagel
The season of the Pakenham Eels Second Grade Men’s team has come to an end after suffering an agonising 24-22 defeat at the hands of Waverley Panthers in the semi-final on Saturday.
The Eels, who finished fourth on the ladder, defeated the Panthers – 26-16 – in the final round of the season and took that form into the first half at the Altona Roosters home pitch on the weekend.
Pakenham ran in three tries to one before half time, with tries to Ijaye Mailei, Cairn-Kaino Salesulu and Samuela Rasake all converted to lock in an 18-6 lead at the break.
The Eels had all the momentum, which was halted in the second half as the weather closed in and making for a completely different style of rugby league.
The Panthers fought their way back into the contest, with tries to Roger Simiona, John Esera and Emosi Radio all converted, while an unconverted try to the Eels saw them fall two points short of victory.
Pakenham can be very proud of its season, finishing fourth with a 10-6 record to squeeze into the last finals spot.
In the major semi-final, top team Casey Warriors took the direct route through to the grand final with a commanding 22-4 victory over second-placed Sunshine Cowboys.
The Warriors were too strong all over the park and look good things to win this year’s premiership against either Sunshine or Waverley…who will battle it out in this Saturday’s preliminary final at Haines Drive Reserve in Wyndham Vale.
Results – Major Semi-Final (1 v 2): Casey Warriors 22 defeated Sunshine Cowboys 4. Minor Semi-Final (3 v 4): Waverley Panthers 24 defeated Pakenham Eels 22.
Fixture: Preliminary Final: Sunshine Cowboys v Waverley Panthers. Saturday 19 August, 3.20pm, Haines Drive Reserve, Wyndham Vale.
