By David Nagel
The Pakenham Eels have slipped to seventh on the ladder in NRL Victoria’s Second Grade Men’s competition despite a brave 12-12 draw with fifth-placed Casey Warriors on Saturday.
This is the one that got away for the Eels, who scored three tries to two; but all three conversions were missed while the Warriors nailed both of their opportunities.
The Eels arrived at Casey Fields with a great feel and opened the scoring through a Damascus Lota try after just two minutes of play.
Both teams were desperate in defence in the slippery and greasy conditions, with ball handling of a high-standard from both sides despite the difficult playing surface.
The Warriors responded with a first-half try to Malachi Vaeau, with Hayce Moreli Alama having no trouble slotting one over the cross-bar.
The Eels then took a two-point lead after a non-converted try from David Jonassen-Hammond, before a converted try from Fitu Pailegutu gave the Warriors back the lead.
A late try to lota, his second for the match, then levelled up the scores, with a missed conversion leaving scores tied at the final buzzer.
Casey heads to Frankston this week to take on the bottom-placed Raiders, while the Eels return home to Comely Banks Recreation Reserve this week for a huge clash against third-placed Eastern Raptors.
The Raptors went down 22-24 in a thrilling contest against second-placed Waverley Panthers on the weekend, but the Eels won’t be intimidated, having defeated the Panthers 18-10 a week earlier.
The Eels defence will need to keep a close eye on the Raptors dual threats; with Samuel Daveta (13) and Halatau Tuima (12) leading the try-scoring list in Second Grade Men’s this season.
The Eels have a more even spread with David Jonassen-Hammond, Aiden Kane and Damascus Lota all scoring four tries each in 2024.
The first whistle will be blown at 1.15pm.
