PAKENHAM seniors fought hard against secondplaced Narre Warren at its home ground on Saturday, losing to an impressive unit by 17 points.
The Lions applied plenty of pressure and forced the Magpies into errors, especially in shooting at goal.
Glen Wouters shone up forward with four goals, while at the other end of the ground Justin Sutherland played a superior game in defence.
Craig Dyker played one of his better games on a wing and Trent Fairclough and Michael Holland were in and under all day, gathering many possessions.
Young cub John Atwell again showed he is a star in the making with a top performance.
The season is now in the Lion’s own hands as a win on Saturday against Berwick will see them stay in the final five.
Scores: Narre Warren 12.17.89 d Pakenham 11.6.72.
RESERVES
The topofthetable clash against Narre Warren saw the Lions come out and play some great football in their victory hanging on to win by nine points.
With a great mix of experience and youth, Pakenham defeated the ladder leaders in their best win for the year.
Cam Hinkley dominated all over the ground and Matt Wouters was instrumental on the ball, as he won many hard ball contests.
Sam Paynter ran like a whippet all day on the wing as he baulked and weaved many opponents and Chad Shooter provided a great option up forward.
Special mentions to Casey Cherry and Ian Mortimer, who shut down the two elusive Magpies forwards.
Scores: Pakenham 7.11.53 d Narre Warren 6.8.44.
UNDER 18
The Lions, depleted of their senior players, put in a credible effort against Narre Warren.
With only 17 players, the scoreboard did not reflect the way the Lions played.
Dom Paynter continued his stellar year with an excellent performance and Jon Higgins did well, as did brother Chris in defence. Stefan Krull and Joel Blashki tried hard all day.
The Lions are hoping to finish the season of with a victory over Berwick this Saturday.
Scores: Narre Warren 20.19.139 d Pakenham 2.3.15.
CLUB NOTES
A disco will be held upstairs this Saturday night after the Berwick game.
All supporters and members are invited to attend the vote count to be held this Sunday in the function room with the thirds starting at noon. The seniorreserves count will begin around 1pm.
The presentation night will be held on Friday, 23 September at 7.30pm.
The night includes a threecourse meal and tickets at $30 each will be on sale this week.