Firsts fail again, slip to fourth
AFTER going to down to Carnegie by one wicket on the weekend, the Maccabi AJAX First XI is now clinging to fourth position on the ladder, and in desperate need of a win after two consecutive losses.
AFTER going to down to Carnegie by one wicket on the weekend, the Maccabi AJAX First XI is now clinging to fourth position on the ladder, and in desperate need of a win after two consecutive losses.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Maccabi was looking shaky at 2-10, before star batsman Bradley Majtlis came to the crease, launching an attack on the Carnegie bowlers on his way to a blistering 58.
Vital support came from veteran all-rounder David Fayman (29) and Firsts debutant JJ Zimmet (17), but Maccabi was eventually dismissed for 139 in the final over of its innings.
Maccabi opening bowlers Adam Lubitz and Allan Goldstein took to the Carnegie batsmen, claiming two wickets apiece, but the Firsts’ inability to contain runs in the middle overs ultimately cost them.
Skipper David Majtlis took three late wickets, including a superb catch by substitute fielder David Chester, but the leg spinner was unable to steer his side to victory, Carnegie surpassing the Firsts’ total and adding another 20 runs to end the game on 9-159.
The Second XI had a difficult day hosting Carnegie at Gary Smorgon Oval, the visitors smashing 210 from their 40 overs, with debutant Adam Kahlberg (2-40) and Josh Sacks (3-50) the only multiple wicket takers.
In response to the massive target set by their opposition, the Seconds could only manage a total of 98, with Simon Morawetz and Stuart Fayman both sharing the top score of 18 runs. Maccabi now sits seventh on the ladder, 10 points out of the top four.
Maccabi AJAX First XI takes on second-spot Clayton District at 1pm on Saturday. Gary Smorgon, Oval 9 (Melway: 57 K6).
NATHAN ROTHSCHILD
comments