By David Nagel
The finals hopes of Pakenham have suffered a big blow after the Eels were comprehensively outplayed in a 20-0 defeat at the hands of Eastern Raptors in NRL Victoria Second Grade Men’s competition on Saturday.
The Eels were never in the hunt on their home deck at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve; surrendering two early converted tries, and a penalty goal, to trail 14-0 at the break.
Pakenham lifted its intensity after half time, but a second-half try to Sam Daveta ended the game as a contest.
The Eels, now eighth on the premiership table, have two more games to round out the home-and-away season.
They travel to Frankston this week to take on the bottom-placed Raiders, before a last-round home-game against fourth-placed Melton Broncos.
The Eels would need to win both; and have a lot of results go their way, to be any chance of playing finals this year.
Casey Warriors, meanwhile, remain in finals contention after a 32-18 win over Frankston.
Daniel Alefosio was the star for the Warriors, scoring three tries, while Jodeci Warena, Ongolea Petelo and Silas Mose also crossed the line.
The Warriors, currently fifth, hit the road this week to take on sixth-placed North West Wolves, before a last-round home-game against top-of-the-table Northern Thunder.
Ladder: Northern Thunder 23, Waverley Panthers 23, Eastern Raptors 16, Melton Broncos 14, Casey Warriors 14, North West Wolves 13, Sunshine Cowboys 11, Pakenham Eels 11, Altona Roosters 10, Frankston Raiders 1.
