Reserves Team Report
The Reserves also had a convincing win against Old Carey sending them into the ladder comfortably on top of Premier C Men's Reserves.
In round 2 AJAX played their first home game of the year against Old Carey on a beautiful day at Princess Park, and where else would you want to be on a Saturday. While the last time AJAX played Old Carey was back in 2022, the AJAX Reserves didn’t waste any time reacquainting themselves as they took a commanding 39 to 12 lead at the end of the first term.
In the second quarter AJAX was able to flex their muscles pushing the lead out to 41 points. Although the Reserves were able to control the game for most of the first half, it was in the third quarter where they put Carey to the sword and blew out the lead to 72 points (105 to 33).
Despite fatigue settling in, in the last quarter AJAX was able to establish good habits and played to the last siren, leaving the final score to be 124 (18.16) to 40 (6.4).
The win can be attributed to a true team performance, with every line playing their part. A dominant midfield allowed AJAX to control the game from the very start and they worked tirelessly to ensure that this was the case for the whole game. The forward line did well to make the most of their opportunities early and allowed the team to establish a strong position. And while the backline had a quiet day, they did well to thwart most of Carey’s prospects. The Reserves now sit unbeaten after two games and atop of the ladder, as they now look to play PEGS in round 3.
Jonathan Machlin
Thirds Div 3 North Match Report
Our Saturday Thirds played against Whitefriars and came away with a very convincing win seeing them placed at Thirds Div 3 North on top of the Ladder.
It never ceases to amaze me the history of the places we play at, or more so where they get their team names from
Take Whitefriars this week
The team, which is closely aligned with the school of the same name, takes its name from the medieval Carmelite religious house, known as the “White Friars”
What we probably don’t know is that the roots of the Carmelite order go back to its founding on Mount Carmel, which was situated in what is today Israel, in 1150. The order had to flee Mount Carmel to escape the wrath of the Saracens in 1238. Some members of the order found a sympathizer in Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and brother of King Henry III, who helped them travel to England.
Little did we know that we were actually playing against our long lost cousins!!!!
Actually, Carter and his team mates were a great bunch of blokes and were terrific hosts to us despite the end result being heavily in our favour.
It was clear to Coach A and the 🍪 on arrival that the tyranny of distance, the early morning start, the overnight formation of mornings dew on the grass, the horrendous noise from SoGgys speaker and the general laconic vibe that this teams sometimes has that it was going to be a slow day. There was clearly a greater focus on what to order from Guzman Y Gomes Chadstone after the game rather than the game itself.
A rebuke of sorts at quarter time followed by another rebuke in greater detail at half time provided for a third quarter of great team football. It was a great shame that the outcome had to built of the foundation of some pointed comments to the playing group, but sometimes that’s what’s needed. Don’t want to make a habit of that
A shout out to our backline who again demonstrated great determination and solidarity making it difficult for the opposition to score. BP, AJ, SoGgy, Rowdy, Garcy, Deeyon and Waizy … exceptional.
To Sam Jacobs for his leadership and coverage of the oval along with Justin Spicer & Corey Schwartz, well done to you all.
Zac Miller put on a masterclass on how to play as a winger even while allowing for a little work that needs to be done on long range goal kicking, and finally, to Zac Nissen who, despite his calves being deprived on top quality blood flow, was absolutely fantastic as well.
On to South Melbourne next.
Chag Sameach to all, and if you are the youngest in your family, get you vocal chords ready because its time for the Mahnishtanah
Coach A
Men's Sunday Thirds Div 2 team sit in second place on the Ladder after Round 3 unfortunately saw their opposition Richmond Central forfeit.
The Jackettes together with Old Camberwell had their second match v Parkdale Vultures and whilst they didn't come away with a win, they did us all proud.
The All Stars had a great game and we are not sure whether they enjoyed the collective bus ride to the game or the actual match more!! Williamstown were very gracious and acommodating in hosting our team and certainly made us feel very welcomed, even catering kosher food for the Team.