Jackas fall short at home

AJAX has recorded its third loss for the year, but not without putting up a fight in its 19.14 (128) to 16.7 (103) home defeat to Old Melburnians.

The Jackas were dominated for most of the game, but dug deep late in the day to reduce the margin to a respectable 25 points.
The visitors came out firing early, registering the first three majors before AJAX had scored.

The home side finally responded with goals to Richie Simon and Jake Lew. Simon then levelled the scores, but the away side slotted another two majors to take a 17-point lead at the first break.

After Old Melburnians kicked the first goal of the second term, Eugene Routman was able to quickly respond.

But the Jackas’ run stopped there, conceding three majors in a row, as the home side was beaten convincingly in the midfield.
Simon slotted his third for the game, before Adam Trytell then reduced the margin to four goals.

But the visitors again blew the lead out late in the quarter, taking a 73-36 advantage into the main break.

The Jackas responded after half-time, kicking two successive goals through Nadav Harel and Routman.

However, AJAX dropped its intensity and conceded six goals to two, finding themselves 50 points down at three-quarter time.

Simon capped off his stellar performance with his fifth for the day, before the away side threatened to blow out the margin again with two quick goals.

But the hosts were able to reduce the deficit with goals to Noah Rischin, Routman, Gary Blieden and Lew.

With the under-19s side forced to forfeit for the rest of the season, both the Thirds and Reserves were bolstered by a host of the emerging stars.

The Reserves fell away in the second half to be defeated by 50 points, while the Thirds registered a commanding 75-point victory over Oakleigh.

AJAX plays Oakleigh at 2pm on Saturday at W.A. Scammell Reserve (Melway: 69 G11).

DANIEL FREED

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