Above: Lions coach Michael Holland makes a point to his charges at quartertime in Saturday’s game against Tooradin.PAKENHAM travelled to Tooradin for the first time in a number of years and to great success, the three grades recording victories, the first time the club has done so all year.
The challenge of playing against exPakenham players in the Tooradin side gave an exciting buildup to the senior match. The Lions kicked to the highway end and had 11 attempts at goal to the Seagulls’ three but only led by 23 points. As the weather turned wet, momentum swung to the Seagulls and they managed to cut the lead back to six points at the main break.
In the third quarter more inaccurate kicking meant Tooradin only led by three points at the last break. Pakenham came to the fore in the last quarter, kicking the first four goals of the quarter and from here never really looked like losing the contest running out victors by 15 points.
Lincoln Withers and Michael Holland both played superbly in the middle and were well supported around the ground by Justin Sutherland. Jared Goldsack had the ball on a string and gathered many possessions. Simon Ponter continued his recent form with a bag of four goals and was ably supported by Nathan Lieshout, who kicked three.
This was another solid victory by the Lions whose start to the season would have surprised many in the league. This form must continue if Pakenham is to stamp itself as a major contender at the business end of the season.
Scores: Pakenham 13.9.87 d Tooradin 9.18.72. Goals: S. Ponter 4, N. Lieshout 3, N. Brown 2, Joe Allen, R. Elston, S. Paynter, J. Sutherland 1.
Best: L. Withers, M. Holland, J. Goldsack, J. Sutherland, N. Brown, J. Padley.
RESERVES
Pakenham was looking for their first win of the season and after three tough quarters ran away with the game in the last quarter by kicking seven goals to two and record a 55point victory.
Paul Gramc kicked six goals in a powerful display in the forward line. Ben Kitchin won many possessions around the ground, as did Brian Cook. Chris Millidonis was lively up forward and Damien Palmer equally so in defence. Craig Gordon played arguably his best game for the team, playing and dominating in the ruck for majority of the game.
Scores: Pakenham 14.13.97 d Tooradin 4.8.32. Goals: P. Gramc 6, C. Millidonis 3, S. Laszczyk, C. Ambrose, S. Gramc, S. Paynter, A. Davis 1.
UNDER 18
In a game of wayward kicking for goal, the Lions made the most of their opportunities by leading by 14 points after having fewer scoring shots than their opposition at the main break. From here, Pakenham took control to run out victors by 35 points.
Jason Aldis played superbly all day and was adjudged best afield. Josh Howe, Clint Thomas, Ben Arapu and Dom Paynter all dominated their positions around the ground while Alexander Johnston provided a spark up forward, kicking four goals.
This was a tremendous team effort by all the players involved.
Scores: Pakenham 9.11.65 d Tooradin 3.12.30.
