David Sheahan made his longawaited return to the Pakenham side on the weekend after a foot injury and played his part in the Lions’ win.WITH a number of key players missing, a firedup Pakenham overcame old foe in ROC by 54 points on Saturday.
Playing ROC at home for the first time in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League, this was a crunch game for the Lions.
With an emotional and inspirational prematch address by club legend Bill Drake, the Lions came out and played a great brand of football.
Pakenham kicked with the strong breeze in the first quarter, but failed to put the pressure on the scoreboard, then played great defensive football against it in the second to hold a slender lead at the main break.
From then it was all Pakenham as it had 21 scoring shots in the third quarter, but again missed many opportunities at goals and kicking 7 goals 14 behinds.
George Morgan played his best game for the year, dominating in the ruck all day and Glenn Pearson returned to the side and showed top form.
Cory Lenders was again at the bottom of every pack and showed he will be a major key to the team in the coming weeks, while Jock Holland led superbly and Matt Wouters played a credible game.
The Lions take on ladder leaders Doveton this Saturday.
Scores: Pakenham 13.28.106 d ROC 7.10.52.
RESERVES
This was another test of character for the team with a number of key players in the seniors and the Lions came through with flying colours, beating ROC by 52 points.
Like the seniors, the side wasted a number of goalscoring options early and it took the team until the last quarter to shake off the opposition as they booted nine goals with the breeze to win convincingly.
Young cubs in Karl Russo and Joel Lenders gathered many possessions all over the ground. Anthony Lewis showed he is in careerbest form with another top display of football.
Both Ian Mortimer and Ryan McQualter again stopped many of ROC’s forward plays.
With a number of players to return, it looks promising for the young side, but it must keep winning if it wants the coveted top position.
Scores: Pakenham 12.7.79 d ROC 4.3.27.
UNDER 18
Like the reserves the young Lions had a couple of key players missing, but still beat the opposition by 11 points and are knocking on the door of the five.
Clint Thomas starred with a bestonground performance, while Stefan Krull filled the goalscoring void up forward kicking four goals.
Matt Hobson played a credible game, as did leaders of the side John Atwell and Sean Gramc.
Scores: Pakenham 8.8.56 d ROC 6.9.45.
CLUB NOTES
The ‘revival of the past 25 years’ last Saturday was described as a huge success and the club thanks those who organised and ran the night.
