The Pakenham’s Eels home ground at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve buzzed with excitement on Saturday as the club staged the largest single-venue event on the NRL Victoria calendar.
Despite a few early morning showers, the clouds broke just in time for kick-off, with all four fields underway for back-to-back matches into the evening in perfect playing conditions.
A capacity crowd of several thousand spectators, including families, officials and passionate supporters, packed the sidelines, creating a lively, friendly atmosphere that carried through until the final matches kicked off at 6:30pm.
A total of 80 teams converged from across Melbourne with clubs making the trek from Broadmeadows, Melton, Geelong and beyond to contest semi-final spots in Storm Junior League U15, U16 and U18 boys’ and girls’ competitions.
At the same time, the U13 and U14 boys and girls each played round 15 of their regular seasons, while the Storm’s First Grade Men’s team wrapped up its final regular season match under lights.
The sheer scale of the event reaffirmed Comely Banks’ reputation as Victoria’s premier Rugby League venue.
Action commenced at 9am and the early spirited showdowns set the tone for a day of high-pressure finals football and celebrated grassroots participation.
It was a tough morning for all Eels teams with the U13 boys going down 46-30 to Northern Thunder; U14 boys being defeated 52-0 by Altona Roosters and the U14 Girls fighting all the way to the end in a 66-16 defeat.
The first knockout semi-final of the day saw the Eels’ U16 girls face a formidable Werribee Bears outfit.
After a hard-fought back-and-forth in the opening exchanges, the home-ground advantage inspired the Eels to dominant form.
Rosalina Misa, Anntonina Singh and Harmony Siamomua crossed the line with both Rosalina scoring a double and Harmony bagging herself a hat-trick.
Ariana Gesi not only scored a spectacular solo try but also slotted seven of nine conversions.
The final whistle confirmed a 42–14 victory and punched Pakenham’s ticket to next Saturday’s preliminary final against the Hume Eagles.
As the sun dipped low, attention turned to the U18 boys’ semi-final under the main lights.
The Eels and Altona Roosters went toe-to-toe in a thriller rematch of their round seven encounter. Altona struck first amid a tense opening, but Joshu Puna responded with a slick under-post finish converted by Wild Wiseman.
Later, Tuulima Finau seized on a pinpoint Jonathan Frazer high kick, gathering a fortuitous bounce to dash clear for the Eels’ second try.
Liam Kezik and TJ Filikilifi added four-pointers on the edges, setting up a fierce second half.
Despite a Roosters’ late surge and a nerve-shredding finish, Pakenham held on 20–18, booking their own preliminary final berth against the Sunbury Tigers.
Not to be outdone, the Eels Women’s tag has secured a major semi-final ticket, with a solid win against the Geelong Sharks on Sunday.
With their form really coming on in the second part of the season, there are high hopes for the Eels Women’s tag to go all the way this season.
With both junior squads advancing, the Eels will field two teams in finals football this Saturday.
The U16 girls meet minor premiers Hume Eagles, while the U18 boys return to face Sunbury who will be certain to try and avenge their earlier-season loss against the Eels.
A strong contingent of Eels supporters are intending to make the trip to the home ground of Altona Roosters. -Jason Buchanan-
EELS FINALS FIXTURE
• Saturday 30 August
UNDER 16 GIRLS – PRELIMINARY FINAL
Hume Eagles v Pakenham Eels 10:10am Bruce Comben Reserve
UNDER 18 BOYS – PRELIMINARY FINAL
Sunbury Tigers v Pakenham Eels 12:30pm Bruce Comben Reserve
• Sunday 31 August
WOMEN’S TAG – MAJOR SEMI-FINAL
Pakenham Eels v Sunshine Cowboys 1:30pm Arthur Beachley Reserve
