Firsts skittle East Malvern
THE undefeated Maccabi AJAX First XI has set itself up for a third successive victory, thanks to an outstanding display from its bowlers who restricted East Malvern to 9-88 on the first day of their match at Gary Smorgon Oval.
THE undefeated Maccabi AJAX First XI has set itself up for a third successive victory, thanks to an outstanding display from its bowlers who restricted East Malvern to 9-88 on the first day of their match at Gary Smorgon Oval.
Opening bowler Adam Lubitz came out firing, as he sent East Malvern’s opening batsmen back to the pavilion in the first over. Lubitz (2-19), together with David Fayman (2-14), had their opponents in desperate trouble at tea, as East Malvern slumped to 4-40.
After the break, Maccabi AJAX captain David Majtlis (3-16) spearheaded the spin assault, while Simon Fisher (1-5) registered the final wicket for the home side.
With the Firsts batting at home next week, Maccabi AJAX will be confident of reeling in the paltry total and remaining undefeated.
The Second XI bowlers were also in fine form, opening pair Jamie Hyams and Adam Paykel limited East Malvern in the early stages. But it was JJ Zimmet who starred with the ball, taking a remarkable 6-20 to skittle the East Malvern batting line-up.
Zimmet turned in a scintillating performance, recording five consecutive maidens and taking three wickets from his last 12 deliveries.
After their slow start, East Malvern launched a late attack to notch up a respectable 157, but not before Daniel Sneider (2-36) provided a real highlight with a spectacular caught and bowled effort.
Maccabi finished the day on 1-12, with Simon Morawetz and Steven Lustig the not out batsmen.
The Thirds started their match against South Yarra on the front foot with an opening partnership of 51 between Ben Fisher and Sam Brygel.
When Brygel was dismissed for 19, Fisher continued his dominance at the top of the order and combined for another half-century stand, this time adding 52 for the second wicket with big-hitting Jono Balbin (24).
Fisher was eventually caught for a well crafted 73, but not before leading his team to 4-132.
After a whopping 67 overs, Maccabi AJAX set its opposition 175 runs for victory and continued its dominance, with Adam Klein claiming 2-2 from four overs, leaving the home side reeling at 2-9.
The only downside for the successful day was the defeat of the Silver Arc Fourth XI at the hands of Carnegie on home soil. Batting first, the Fourths collapsed to 8-51, before recovering slightly to finish the day at 82 from 39 overs, with Dovi Broner top scoring for the home side with 13.
Maccabi’s bowlers battled hard to keep Carnegie from surpassing their total, Ian Jones (4-17) and Laurie Shneider (2-23) were the chief destroyers, but the home side couldn’t keep its opposition at bay, Carnegie finishing the day at 8-86 to take the win.
The Firsts resume their match against East Malvern on Saturday at 1pm. Gary Smorgan Oval 9 (Melway 57K6 ).
DARREN BLOCH
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