More pain for MACC
THE Maccabi AJAX First XI has struggled on day one of its home match against Dingley, the side unable to bat out its allotted overs, finishing on a modest 115.
THE Maccabi AJAX First XI has struggled on day one of its home match against Dingley, the side unable to bat out its allotted overs, finishing on a modest 115.
Brad Majtlis (22) was promoted up the order to open the batting with young gun Brandon Friedman, and the pair got the side off to a solid start putting on 34 runs, before Friedman was dismissed for 11 to a spectacular catch at second slip.
With several quick wickets falling thereafter, the rescue mission was left to David Majtlis, who along with tail-ender Dean Wiener added some much-needed runs. Majtlis made a patient 21 before he was clean bowled, while Wiener continued his impressive form with 23.
The highlight of the innings came in the form of a towering six from fast bowler Simon Lipschitz, who catapulted the ball out of the ground with a replacement ball required for play to continue.
The loss of four wickets for just seven runs brought Maccabi AJAX’s innings to an end, and there was more pain for the side as Dingley got off to a flyer, with 32 runs added without loss. The visitors now require 84 runs to win when play resumes on Saturday.
The Second XI blew a fantastic opportunity to register an away win against Dingley, with four wickets from opening bowler Craig Woolf having the home side in desperate trouble at 5-23.
However, the Seconds were unable to capitalise on the situation, with Dingley’s seventh batsman notching up a devastating century, to guide the home side to a formidable 218. Late wickets from skipper Simon Morawetz (3-34) and off-spinner Simon Fisher (2-30) limited the damage.
The Thirds had a tough time in the field in their home match against Canterbury, conceding a massive 271 runs, leaving themselves with a difficult run chase next week. Young star Farrell Plavin (5-30) was the standout performer with the ball, taking his first five-wicket haul for the senior club, and showing signs of big things to come.
Veteran Barry Kave’s decades of experience came to fruition as he took three vital wickets, but it wasn’t enough as Canterbury kept piling on the runs.
The Fourth XI had a tough day at the office in its one-day match against Parkville on Sunday, losing heavily after being skittled for a disastrous 85. Batting first, Josh Jones was the only player who looked comfortable at the crease, with wickets falling in quick succession.
It was a similar tale with the ball, with Yossi Herbst (4-27) the only wicket taker as Parkville easily reached the required score.
The Firsts will attempt to defend their total against Dingley at 1pm on Saturday.
Gary Smorgon Oval 9 (Melway 57K6)
NATHAN ROTHSCHILD
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