NEEDING to win the last homeandaway game against Berwick to stay in the five, Pakenham recorded a 125point victory.
The Lions played some lacklustre footy in the first half but, after stern words from coach Michael Holland, the team came out in the second half and dominated proceedings.
Daniel Fry kicked six goals and was adjudged best afield in a magnificent performance of marking and kicking for goal.
Simon Ponter finished the homeandaway season by booting five majors to become the side’s leading goalkicker.
Karl Russo returned to the senior side and provided plenty of run out of defence. Justin Sutherland stepped in as skipper and again dominated in defence.
Nathan Brown played well all over the ground, as did Craig Dyker on his wing.
The side takes on Hampton Park in the elimination final this weekend.
Scores: Pakenham 21.27.153 d Berwick 4.4.28.
RESERVES
After a great result from the week before the reserves needed a big win over Berwick and defeated the Wickers by 123 points.
Inaccuracy in front of goal cost the side further percentage but this was not needed as second spot on the ladder had been wrapped up.
Justin Pearson returned to form with seven goals and Beau Wheeler also had plenty of opportunities up forward, kicking six.
Joel Lenders racked up many possessions in the middle of the ground.
Dimitri Dimakopoulos and Sam Paynter also provided plenty of run around the ground.
The reserves take on Devon Meadows in the qualifying final.
Scores: Pakenham 20.20.140 d Berwick 2.5.17.
UNDER 18
Pakenham could not manage a win in the last homeandaway game of the season.
Again depleted, the Lion cubs put in a gallant effort against a higherplaced side but went down by 133 points.
Two under16 players filled in for the under 18s and the experience of this game will stand them in good stead for next season.
Scores: Berwick 21.13.139 d Pakenham 1.0.6.
CLUB NOTES
Tickets are on sale for the presentation night on Friday, 23 September at the highway function room at 7.30pm.
Tickets are $30 per person and must be presold for catering purposes.
The club’s bestandfairest vote count was held last Sunday, Seb Paynter and Nathan Brown being joint winners in the seniors and Holland runnerup.
The reserves award was won by Chad Ambrose and runnerup was Joel Lenders.
The under 18s award was won by Dom Paynter and Beau Wheeler was runnerup.
