United we stand

THE AJAX/Maccabi Jewish community team had a mixed day at the Unity Cup on Sunday, coming away with one win and one loss from its preliminary-round matches.

The side came up against Iisna in the first round, the Muslim team too strong and too classy for the Jewish rep side, winning 8.4 (52) to 3.5 (23). Joel Benjamin and Jules Rose were among the best players for AJAX/Maccabi.

In game two, the side came up against another team of Muslim players, but it was a different story, AJAX/Maccabi piling on 13.5 and keeping Doncaster scoreless.

Anders Simon was the star for the Jewish rep team with a five-goal haul, while Josh Lipschutz, Joel Grosman and Effie Bloch also impressed.

Coach Michael Ritterman was delighted with his team’s efforts, praising his charges’ endeavour.

“I am very proud of all their efforts,” Ritterman said.
“They did their best against very good competition who play footy every week at a much higher level.”

Ritterman also called on the community to get behind the side for the final round of matches at Windy Hill on Sunday.

In other football news, there’s plenty to like about AJAX on the eve of the season opener, the side enjoying another win in its final hit-out of the pre-season.

The side beat Oakleigh by 28 points on the back of a 10-goal haul from prolific full-forward David Fayman. His leading, marking and kicking was a delight in an unstoppable performance.

Coach Bernie Sheehy will have a welcome selection headache ahead of round one, with Jason Seidl, Evgeni Routman and Jason Ritterman all set to resume after missing with injuries.

Ari Lewski was in scintillating form and was the catalyst for most of his side’s forward thrusts. The rucks dominated and gave the AJAX smaller players first option around the ground. Rubin Winograd gave a polished performance rebounding off half-back, while Josh Ludski was courageous in the heavy traffic.

AJAX announced its team captains at a barbecue at Caulfield Park last week, with Gary Blieden again at the helm for the seniors and Seidl named vice captain, while Marcus Jankie and Jarrod White will be deputy vice captains. Josh Givoni and Josh Gottlieb will be co-captains for the reserves. Richie Simon will lead the under-19s, with Eyal Lang and Jarryd Ludski deputy vice captains.

AJAX plays Fitzroy on Saturday at 2pm,  W.T. Peterson Community Oval (Melways: 44 B1)
The final round of the Unity Cup will be held on Sunday from 10am-4pm at Windy Hill, Napier street Essendon.

AJN STAFF

Photo: Peter Haskin