Bullish Blues bundled by ladder-leader
THE Maccabi Rugby Club has suffered its second defeat of the year, after going down to top-of-the-table Sydney Irish 34-14 in a tough encounter at Latham Park.
THE Maccabi Rugby Club has suffered its second defeat of the year, after going down to top-of-the-table Sydney Irish 34-14 in a tough encounter at Latham Park.
The side slipped to fourth spot on the ladder and with the Maccabiah Games just around the corner – which will see most of the Firsts side leave for Israel – the Blues must pick up the points in the next few games in order to hold on to a finals berth.
A disappointing start by Maccabi saw it fall 14 points behind early on, with the visitors struggling to contain the strong forward pack of the opposition.
But to the Blues’ credit, they fought their way back into the contest and got their first try of the day thanks to relentless pressure from their forwards.
Some individual brilliance from Dan Munitz down the wing then saw Maccabi draw level just before the half-time whistle.
Sydney Irish was put on the back foot again immediately after the restart, when the Blues applied plenty of pressure and created several opportunities to grab the lead.
But the away side was unable to convert any of its chances, and the hosts took full advantage, regaining the momentum and twice crossing the line to race away with the match.
“In patches we dominated the game,” captain Keith Friedlander told The AJN.
“But against a side like that, who is the benchmark of the competition, you really have to take your opportunities and not give them any. That was where we let it slip.”
The Seconds found themselves on the end of a 50-0 thumping to Sydney Irish, who were far too strong for Maccabi in a dominant display.
Maccabi plays Rouse Hill at 2pm (Seconds) and 3.15pm (Firsts) on Saturday, June 15 at Lyne Park, Rose Bay.
AJN Staff
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