Firsts fire again
MACCABI AJAX First XI has continued its terrific start to the season, with a 14-run win over Highett late on day two, thanks to the bowling effort of Allan Goldstein (5-43) and captain David Majtlis (4-103).
MACCABI AJAX First XI has continued its terrific start to the season, with a 14-run win over Highett late on day two, thanks to the bowling effort of Allan Goldstein (5-43) and captain David Majtlis (4-103).
The Firsts bowled out their opposition for 256 runs, just short of Maccabi’s first innings total of 270.
Melbourne’s weather again caused havoc at Gary Smorgon Oval, as a wet and muddy outfield made fielding difficult for the home side. However, all the work was done on the pitch by Goldstein, who left the opponents in trouble at 2-34, with the wickets of both opening batsmen. But Highett got its innings back on track with a 78-run, third-wicket partnership to put the match back in the balance at tea.
But three quick wickets from Firsts captain David Majtlis put the Firsts back in control, before another middle-order partnership of 76 kept the away side in the hunt at 6-198.
Goldstein continued his golden summer, claiming another three wickets and taking his tally to nine from two games.
Following on from a disappointing effort on day one last week, in which the Second XI could only manage a total of 105 runs, the players again found themselves on the back foot away against Highett, with the home side eclipsing Maccabi’s total. Highett went on to post 150 for the loss of just seven wickets before their captain declared, and in the chase for an outright victory, Maccabi AJAX was sent in for a second innings.
Opener Ben Morley was out without troubling the scorers, while future stars Aaron Fetter (17) and Adam Klein (8) batted with maturity beyond their years, and JJ Zimmet (18 not out) helped propel Maccabi to 9-66 off 38.5 overs to stave off outright defeat.
The Thirds couldn’t come away with the points against Parkville District on Walker Street Oval to wrap up the weekend’s action. The hosts batted first and compiled a challenging total of 156, with Maccabi club veterans Daniel Eckhaus (2-20) and Laurie Shneider (2-17) the best of the bowlers. Unfortunately, the Thirds were never in with a shout, as they collapsed to 7-30 and 81 all out. Ari Goldberg was the only shining light for Maccabi, hitting a team high 24 runs.
DARREN BLOCH
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