MUGC Lions v Pakenham Silverbacks
Melbourne University Gridiron Club opened their season by hosting a double header at their ground in Royal Park.
Blustery and wet conditions couldn’t dampen the atmosphere prior to the first game between the Lions and
Silverbacks. This would be the first time either side had played a competitive game in Gridiron Victoria.
The Silverbacks started with the kick off bringing the Lion’s offence on the field to begin. They suffered a shaky start
with just the second play being fumbled and recovered for a loss of yards. The Silverbacks defence proved too
strong, stuffing the Lion’s run game and forcing them to punt.
The Silverbacks offence could not gain any momentum on their first drive of the game. Trying to keep the Lion’s
defence honest with a mixture of run and pass plays, they struggled to connect with their receivers with the Lions
nearly coming away with an interception. A high snap on the punt was charged down by the Lions putting them in
great scoring position.
Despite their great field position, the Lions again struggled to get penetration against a formidable Silverbacks Dline. Another fumble was recovered by the Silverbacks, but luckily the player was called down before the ball came
out. The Lions went for it on fourth down but failed to convert bringing the defence out with the ball on the 20 yard
line.
The Silverbacks offence again struggled with a lack of chemistry expected from a new team. The Lion’s defence
stepped up, forcing a fumble recovered by middle linebacker JJ Park, putting their offence on the field with great
field position once again.
The Lions offence could not capitalise on the work of the defence, the O-line struggling to open up gaps in the run
game. Another 3 and out brings the defence back on the field.
The Silverbacks courageously kept trying to air the ball out in rough conditions though with little success. Facing
another fourth down straight away, the Silverbacks faked the punt and ran to the outside for a big gain. With the
ball on the Lions 19 the defence held strong, forcing a fumble on 4th down.