Match Report - 1 May 2021

Round 4

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AJAX v Old Haileybury 

AJAX took on Old Haileyburians at the Gary Smorgon Oval at 2 PM. It was a tough day for the Jackas with bright spots few and far between as they were defeated by 78 points.

In windy conditions, both sides struggled to establish any control early on. It took over 8 minutes for the first goal to be kicked by Old Haileyburians. They were able to transition the ball from their defense to attack, using lead-up targets to kick their second of the term. Despite Old Haileyburians being on top for most of the quarter, AJAX managed to stay within striking distance at quarter time. Dov Paltiel and Benji Krongold did their best to apply pressure and get the ball inside AJAX's forward 50. A late quarter fightback from them Jackas saw them down by only 18 points at the first break.

Unfortunately, AJAX couldn't build on this. Old Haileyburians kicked the first goal of the second quarter and had started brightly. The Jackas were quick to respond with their first of the game and showed promising signs with beautiful build-up play from full-back to the forward pocket but were unable to take advantage on the scoreboard. AJAX scraped hard all quarter and were left disappointed when Old Haileyburians kicked their fifth goal of the game near half-time, giving them a 35 to 9 lead at the main break.

To the fan’s disappointment, Old Haileyburians started the second half very well. After AJAX were wasteful in front of goal early Old Haileyburians punished them for their mistakes, kicking 5.7 for the quarter. Matthew Lincoln tried to provide a spark and inspire the team with a fantastic goal, evading several defenders and snapping over his shoulder for AJAX's opening goal of the second half. Unfortunately, despite brilliant forward pressure that allowed Brandon Joel to kick his second for the game AJAX wasn't able to hold off Old Haileyburians inside 50's and found themselves down 72-23 at the final break. 

Old Haileyburians dominated the last quarter kicking 5.8 to the Jackas 1.3. AJAX battled hard but failed to make many inroads. Hary Sheezel provided the team with some joy kicking a great long-range goal but Old Haileyburians always had an answer walking away winners.

AJAX take on Williamstown CYMS at Gary Smorgon Oval at 2 PM for their round 5 game. 

Goal Kickers: Joel 2, H. Sheezel, Lincoln
Best Players: Berkowitz, Fisher, Debinski, Webb, Paltiel, Krongold