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The Pakenham Eels were delighted to return to the playing fields of rugby league on Saturday as NRL Victoria made its reappearance from the most recent Covid lockdown.
Competition returned for all age groups on the weekend, but with some restrictions in place.
Spectators were limited to parents only and this ensured a safe return to community sport and the kids back playing rugby league.
The under-16 Eels travelled to Casey Fields to take on the Casey Warriors and found themselves under immediate pressure, conceding a try in the first five minutes of play.
The Warriors wingers were in a menacing mood and provided the inspiration for three converted tries in the first half – the Warriors leading the Eels 18-0 at the break.
The Eels came out much more determined in the second half and looked to score early; producing some solid sets to get themselves back in the game.
The Eels did just that, with Pakenham scoring three unanswered tries to narrow the margin to 18-16.
Esmond Taufa, Henere Ruha, Lachlan Dodson, Lachlan Braybon and Elvis Mateariki all played key roles in the comeback, which eventually took its toll.
The Warriors kept their composure and scored twice before the final siren – winning 26-16. Lachlan Van Polen, Selwyn Arama, Jesse Myers and Tealofa Lota were other Eels who battled hard to the very end.
The under-15 girls also hit the road to take on a strong opponent in the Waverley Oakleigh Panthers.
The Eels were defeated 42-10 but did show some promising signs with two tries being scored, with one converted.
And the Eels under-14s faced the biggest trip of all, heading to Altona Meadows to take on the Altona Roosters.
The Eels went down 26-4, with fullback Archie Stokie providing the highlight of the day with a classy try.
This Saturday the under-16s hit the road again to take on the Melton Broncos, while the under-15 girls will look to get the better of the Altona Roosters at Casey Fields.
The under-14s will head to Broadmeadows on Saturday morning in a big game against the Northern Thunder.
