Silverbacks’ streak continues

Nic Green was one of Pakenham quarterback Kevin Russell’s favourite targets on Sunday against the Monash Barbarians. Picture: COURTESY OF JULIE BELSHAM

By RUSSELL BENNETT

THE Pakenham Silverbacks remain undefeated through their first six games of the Gridiron Victoria Division 2 men’s season.
But if there’s an air of invincibility surrounding the team, there shouldn’t be. It’s not unbeatable, and any thoughts to the contrary could be particularly dangerous come playoff time.
The Heatherbrae Reserve-based side jumped out to a 12-0 start on Sunday at Sydney Pargeter Reserve in Endeavour Hills against the Monash Barbarians, and it was in no small part due to the effectiveness of its offensive line and the rapport star import quarterback Kevin Russell had built with his receivers.
But the Barbarians, who the Silverbacks defeated 9-6 to claim last season’s Division 2 championship, found their way on to the scoresheet in the second quarter through a near 30-yard touchdown pass.
Despite Pakenham being up 22-6 at the half following an incredible 50-yard rushing touchdown from Russell, head coach Mel Martin was in no mood to mince words at the break.
“You made every mistake known to man in the first half,” he told his charges, clearly in a bid to keep them focused.
“Defence – you dodged a bullet.
“That’s the worst half of football this club has put on the field this year, and you have the second half to make up for it.”
The Barbarians side contained players from Monash’s Division 1 outfit, the Warriors, which had the week seven bye, and they were beginning to lift the group.
“Put your foot on the throat and push!” Martin pleaded of his men.
“You need to learn to be a killer.
“You’re starting to think you can’t be beaten.”
In a sloppy, mistake-ridden game from both sides, the Silverbacks did just enough to keep ahead throughout the second half. Fumbles, penalties, dropped catches … the works. This game had it all.
It was far from pretty with the Barbarians roaring back to ultimately fall just six points short – 28-22 – as JJ Collett finished the game with the ball safely in his hands. The Silverbacks played anything but their best football, yet they still did enough to get the points. That, in itself, is a particularly encouraging sign.
Pakenham is three points clear of the Bendigo Dragons in the Division 2 standings, and the two sides will go head-to-head this Saturday night from 6.30pm at Heatherbrae Reserve in Officer.