AFTER a bad loss the previous week, Pakenham seniors bounced back with a vengeance on Saturday, downing Hampton Park by 59 points.
This was a danger game for the Lions against form side Hampton Park, with a win needed to stay in the five.
Robert Elston returned to the side and starred, kicking two memorable goals in his bestonground performance.
Justin Sutherland also returned from injury and shut down the opposition’s fullforward. John Atwell up from the under 18s, played his debut game and chipped in with two handy goals.
Highlight of the day was the return of club stalwart Travis Murphy who provided plenty of spark in defence.
The Lions will play Narre Warren at Fox Rd this week, where a win is needed to cement a spot in the five.
Scores: Pakenham 16.11.107 d Hampton Park 6.12.48.
RESERVES
Pakenham reserves also had a complete reversal in attitude as it came out and destroyed Hampton Park by 121 points and now have their eyes on knocking off ladder leaders Narre Warren.
Matt Wouters controlled the game in the middle and also kicked four goals and Shane Laszczyk once on the ground played a top game, kicking five goals.
Joel Lenders continued his brilliant form on the ball. Joe Koning played well all over the ground and Casey Cherry played a credible game in defence.
The club wished Jason Williams a speedy recovers after an arm injury ended his season.
Scores: Pakenham 20.23. 143 d Hampton Park 3.4.22.
UNDER 18
With three under 18s in the senior lineup, the Lions were more than compensated with the return of the two Gippsland Power representatives in Ricky Delphine and Tyson Goldsack.
Delphine kicked the first two goals and gathered many possessions in a brilliant performance and Joel Blaski played his best game for the year.
Goldsack once at fullforward proved a major focal point and ended the game with five majors.
Jonathan Higgins provided plenty of run, while Stefan Krull played a true forwardpocket game and kicked two goals.
Scores: Pakenham 12.10.82 d Hampton Park 5.4.34.
CLUB NOTES
An endofseason disco will be held after the Berwick home game.
The vote count for all three football grades will be held on Sunday, 21 August with the unders starting at noon and the seniors and reserves at 1pm.
Presentation night will be held on Friday, 23 September.
Tickets at $30 will be on sale shortly and due to catering purposes will need to be prepurchased. None will be available on the night.
