By David Nagel
A refreshed and revitalised Pakenham Eels have bounced back to the winner’s list in spectacular style with a season-defining 18-10 win against top-of-the-table Waverley Panthers on Saturday.
It was a special day for Rugby League across the State, with NRL Victoria celebrating NAIDOC Week; while the Eels and Panthers were playing for a lot more than just positions on the premiership ladder.
The senior men competed in the Hayden Butler Foundation Memorial Game which was named after Waverley player Hayden Butler and remembers players who had taken their own life.
The foundation focuses on mental health and well-being.
The Eels second-grade senior men’s team have come off the back of some difficult losses; but with the memorial game firmly in their focus they returned after the league-wide break with a determination to turn their season around.
It was a physically demanding match on both offence and defence, coming up against the top-placed team who always bring their ‘A Game’ for this match.
The Eels were able to put on a classic display in both offence and defence; keeping the Panthers at bay and holding on for a special victory.
VJ Sua was named man of the match for the Eels, while a try to second-rower Jharmez Royale – who pounced on a Panthers’ goal-line mistake – was a crucial moment in the contest.
The Eels are now sixth on the table; one spot behind fierce-rivals Casey Warriors, with a visit to Casey Fields this week set to be another defining moment of their season.
The Warriors will be fired up on their own deck, after the Eels won 24-14 at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve back in round nine.
The blockbuster clash begins at 2.15pm.
In other results on the weekend the Senior Women’s League Tag won their match against Werribee Bears 24 to 8, while the Eels three junior teams all suffered defeats; despite putting up a brave effort.
The Under 16 Boys were defeated 26-6 by Waverley Panthers, while the Under 14 Boys suffered a similar fate, going down 34-16.
And finally, the Under 14 Girls were defeated 58-18 by an impressive Frankston Raiders.
