Match Report -22 May 2021

Round 7

AJAX v University Blacks 

The Seniors took on University Blacks at Gary Smorgon Oval at 2 PM. It was a scrappy and contested game with AJAX hanging in until three-quarter time. Unfortunately, the University Blacks kicked away during the final term, winning 78-34.

Windy conditions led to a scrappy and contested game with both teams going goalless for the first 15 minutes. The University Blacks were the first to strike after constant pressure on the Jackas defence. Despite being down early AJAX showed promising signs with great ball movement but unable to provide the finished product. Toby Lipton (3 goals for the game) finally got AJAX on the scoreboard. Being on the receiving end of a great forward 50 entry Lipton took a great pack mark and finished nicely. Adam Caplan tried his best to even things up before quarter-time with grunt work in the midfield. However, the University Blacks managed to kick their second near the end of the first term leading 16-9.

The second term began similarly to the first. As the quarter progressed AJAX began to control the ball but couldn't impact the scoreboard. University Blacks regained control late in the quarter but were inaccurate kicking 1.8. Captain Nick Lewis lead from the front trying to will AJAX to a goal but they remained scoreless in the second quarter. Trailing 30-9 at the main break.

The Jackas came out of the blocks firing in the opening stages of the third quarter. Toby Lipton who was the main target upfront kicked his 2nd for the game and the tide was beginning to change. Despite both teams turning the ball over in crucial parts of the ground the Jackas managed to kick two late goals to cut the margin to 15 points. Unfortunately, their hard work was undone with the University Blacks kicking a late goal to be leading 50-28 at three-quarter time.

The Jackas didn't start the last quarter well. Sloppy turnovers lead to the University Blacks kicking back-to-back goals to extend their lead to 37 points. The remainder of the contest saw the University Blacks dominate kicking two more goals. There was some happiness late in the quarter with an AJAX goal, but a comeback wasn't on the cards. 

AJAX were defeated 5.4 34 to 10.18 78. 

Goal Kickers: Lipton 3, J Cohen, A Caplan
Best Players: Lewis, Debinski, Jo Ludski, J Cohen, Ja Ludski, Berkowitz