Local rugby sides returned to a joyful week as the Pakenham Eels and Casey Warriors were both victorious.
Pakenham was tested by the Altona Roosters but eventually closed them off 34-20.
Sadaris Leaf got things underway with an early try in the sixth minute, soon followed after by Fabric Addi at the 15 minute mark.
The Roosters were unrelenting, constantly answering every challenge the Eels threw at them.
At the 65th minute mark, David Jonassen-Hammond put the result out of reach before Dominiko Tuau scored a trifling try at the 68th minute mark to confirm the win.
The Eels have snuck into the top four with a game in hand over Casey.
The Casey Warriors started with a flurry over Sunshine which evolved into a 28-14 victory.
The Warriors scored six tries in the first 24 minutes, through Faafouina Taleo, Djandre Spellman, Jason Warr, Redford Tatia twice and Fitu Pailegutu.
Conversions were inaccurate for Casey, kicking 2/6 but fortunately the stat held little weight in the grand scheme of things.
Other results around the league were closer than expected, with the North West Wolves defeating Doveton 28-16.
Werribee stood tall to register a drawn result against the top seeded Melton Broncos 10-10.
Next week, a pivotal clash is on the cards as Casey and Pakenham take to the stage.
A solitary game separates the two sides on the ladder with stakes growing by the week.
When these sides met in round three, Casey destroyed the Pakenham 38-18.
Since then, the Eels have found their mojo and will match up well this weekend.
After an off week, Melton will commute across the other side of the city to Doveton with goals of straightening back up after last week’s draw.
The Eastern Raptors will host Sunshine, with Cowboys desperately looking to end their 0-10 start.
Werribee will head to the North West to take on the Wolves.
The Wolves are two points behind the first placed Broncos.
Truganina and Altona play each other at the Roosters’ home ground.
Altona must beat their opponent this week to stay in the hunt for finals.
R9 Results: Altona 20 def by Pakenham 34, Sunshine 14 def by Casey 28, Doveton 16 def by North West 28, Werribee 10 drew with Melton 10.
Ladder: Melton 15, North West 13, Eastern 13, Pakenham 10, Casey 8, Altona 6, Doveton 6, Truganina 6, Werribee 5, Sunshine -2.
R10 Fixture: Casey (5) v Pakenham (4), North West (2) v Werribee (9), Doveton (7) v Melton (1), Eastern (3) v Sunshine (10), Altona (6) v Truganina (8).
