Benji Jones farewells Maccabi-AJAX a winner
Maccabi-AJAX's men's First XI won last Sunday, in veteran all-rounder Benji Jones's last game for the club.
VICTORIES by three Maccabi-AJAX men’s teams last Sunday resulted in their First XI farewelling veteran Benji Jones on a winning note, their Second XI heading into the semis with confidence and their development team keeping their finals hopes alive.
While the First XI finished the regular season just one competition point outside of the top four in the MCC Club XI division 1 comp, there was plenty to cheer about in their last game of the season – a dominant eight-wicket win over PEGS at Gary Smorgon Oval.
Fittingly, all-rounder Benji Jones – a club stalwart who will shortly make aliyah – took 4/15 with the ball, helping to dismiss PEGS for a total of just 101 in 33 overs.
Captain Josh Rotstein chipped in with 2/19 and in a memorable twist, Jones’s dad – club president Ian Jones – was included in the squad and even had a brief bowl, claiming his first wicket for the First XI.
The side coasted to victory in the chase, reaching the target in the 18th over with the loss of only two wickets.
The icing on their cake was that the not-out batters were the Jones brothers, Benji on 11 and Josh on 24.
Singing of the team song was even louder than usual in the sheds, where Benji received a fairytale farewell.
In a speech to teammates before the game, Benji said, “This was my 16th season here and this club is such an incredible and special place for me.
“When I started, there were guys like Sim, Dave, Dan and Ben Onas – all club legends and I learned a lot from them.
“When they left, the club needed people to step up and I was proud that I was one of those able to do that.
“There were some tough times, but over the last eight years, we started getting up the ladder again, that trend has continued and seeing the young kids coming through and the club’s development, has been amazing.”
Among his finest memories was being a part of the First XI’s 2022 premiership win in the Mercantile Cricket Association’s A grade competition.
He thanked all committee members, coaches and captains, including current First XI captain Bailey Melzak and particularly Rotstein, who stepped up to fill the captaincy role midway through this season.
“Everyone is interspersed and together at this club and I think that speaks volumes.
“I’m going to miss all this, but it’s been a great honour and I will be following you for sure.”
The club’s Second XI – who will take on Old Xaverians in a semi-final this Sunday – finished in second spot on the MCC Club XI division 3 ladder after a two-run away win last Sunday over fourth-placed Old Haileyburians.
The Maccabi seconds set a target of 142, with Aidan Sheffield (70 runs) and Shmuli Rosenbaum (24) leading the way.
Captain Ben Kupshik then took 3/19 and a superb final over by Gid Pastor resulted in Old Haileyburians falling just short.
Meanwhile, Maccabi-AJAX’s development team are still in the Southern Bayside Sunday men’s division 2 finals race, after a six-run away win last Sunday over Hampton, but must win their remaining two matches.
Captain Andrew Rotstein scored 50 runs, while James Rotstein (3/29) and Eli Paneth (2/22) starred with the ball.
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