By Mark Gullick
PAKENHAM’S recent dip in form has taken the gloss of its clash with Cranbourne in round 16 of the Casey Cardinia Football League at Casey Fields on Saturday.
Before their two heavy losses, the Lions were unbeaten in seven matches and playing scintillating football.
Pakenham simply must regain its confidence if it has any chance of defeating the rested Cranbourne, which has taken all before it.
The Lions will take some confidence from their last meeting with the Eagles, when they stormed home to lose by just one-point in round five.
Cranbourne had the bye last week, while Devon Meadows takes the bye this weekend.
Devon Meadows was competitive, but ultimately fell short by eight goals, in its clash with Doveton at EG Allen Reserve.
Doveton coach Mark Ladgrove knew his team faced a big challenge.
“We were expecting a tough game,” he said.
“They’ve only got two games to go. They haven’t won many games, but they’ve been competitive all year and that was the same on Saturday.”
The Doves led at every quarter and outscored Devon Meadows by five goals to two in the second half.
Better players for Devon Meadows were Aaron Laing, Michael Bain and Patrick Harmes, while Chris Biviano, captain Jesse DeHey and Chris Campbell worked tirelessly in the midfield.
Adam Jago kicked three goals.