Fayman’s five fires Firsts

THE Maccabi AJAX First XI is in a close encounter against Burnley CYMS, requiring 209 for victory next weekend after gun bowler David Fayman snared another five-wicket haul.

After being sent in to field, the Firsts were on the back foot early as the home side threatened to pull away, rolling comfortably to 3-135.

However, Maccabi fought back and contained the batsmen, conceding 208 and leaving themselves with a tough but achievable target to chase.

Fayman (5-74) was sensational, ripping through the opposition attack while bowling into the wind.

Fellow quick JJ Zimmet (2-40) was also rewarded for his effort and skipper Julien Wiener (2-22) played a key role in turning the match.

“It’s a small ground and if we apply ourselves strongly, everyone makes their contribution and are positive, we can make the runs,” skipper Wiener said after the day’s play.

The Second XI is in a strong position at the halfway point of its match against Eastern Flow, posting 206 from its 75 overs.

Openers Jeremy Balbin (15) and Simon Fisher (20) got the team off to a good start, before Matt Gamsu (30) and Gideon Gelbart (30) lifted the score above 100.

A quick-fire innings from Jeff Nadelman (19) kept the scoreboard ticking as Maccabi moved to 8-144.

Ross Sandler (35) and Paul Litinsky (25) put on a crucial ninth-wicket partnership to ensure the side posted a competitive total.

The Third XI suffered a heavy defeat in their one-dayer against Parkville District, as the side was skittled for a paltry 97.

Maccabi was in deep trouble at 6-36, before Dean Simon (30) and Daniel Sneider (29) put on a strong partnership accounting for more than half the team’s total.

The Thirds managed to take just one wicket in defence of their total as the visitors cruised to victory.

The Silver Arc Fourth XI secured a five-wicket win over Bentleigh, which was the side’s first of the season.

Bentleigh struggled to reach 9-97 from the first 45 overs of the day, with skipper Ian Jones (3-8) and youngster Adam Kahlberg (3-16) the chief destroyers.

In reply, Maccabi was in a precarious position at 3-33, before Jonathan Dodge (39) and Shmuli Rosenbaum (29) rescued the run-chase, ensuring Maccabi ran away victors.

The Firsts resume their match against Burnley CYMS at 1pm on Saturday at Straw Field, Parkville (Melway: 29 C12).

Simon Morawetz

Photo: Peter Haskin