By David Nagel
Pakenham Eels have tumbled down the NRL Victoria Second Grade Men’s competition ladder after a crucial loss to North West Wolves on Saturday.
A win would have seen the Eels stay in touch with the top teams, moving to 10 points and fifth on the competition table, but a 12-10 loss to the Wolves has seen the Pakenham Rugby League team drop to ninth in a very tight 10-team environment.
Wolves winger Brady Stewart was the key play-maker for the home side, scoring two tries, and converting both, to dominate the Wolves scoresheet.
Jonah Iosefo was equally as influential for the Eels; scoring tries after 16 and 27 minutes of play to give the Eels a chance in some very slippery and challenging conditions.
Nathaniel Johansson-Joseph converted the second try, but narrowly missed his earlier kick to leave the Eels two points short of gaining crucial premiership points.
The Eels have a week off this weekend, before facing a huge challenge on Saturday 13 July, heading to Fregon Reserve to take on competition leaders Waverley Panthers.
The Eels then play their fourth away game in succession, against Casey Warriors on Saturday 20 July, before finally returning home for their round 14 clash against Eastern Raptors on Saturday 27 July.