Match Report
Round 10
18 June 2022
AJAX v Williamstown CYMS
Our season sat at 4-4 and we looked forward to an away trip across the bridge to play Williamstown. We were greeted by perfect conditions for football. The sun was shining and there was not a breath of wind. The scene was set for the first game of our “mini season”. A win would guarantee that we return to the top 4. We knew we had to start well and set the standard for the game.
The umpires were so keen for the game to begin they bounced the ball at 1.57pm catching a few people off guard. Fortunately the players were ready for the action and some terrific hard football followed. Williamstown attacked early and hit the scoreboard. It took us a while to steady but when we did we moved the ball well and gave our forwards multiple opportunities to score. Jordan Cohen converted from a set shot and we converted two more times to hold a handy lead. Late goals to Williamstown brought them back in to the game and they took a slight advantage to the ¼ time break. Brandon Efron continued his good form and Kane Nissenbaum was gaining plenty of the ball around the ground.
We began the second quarter in positive fashion but were unable to fully capitalise on our opportunities. Kane Nissenbaum and Brandon Joel kicked very clever goals midway through the quarter to give us the advantage on the scoreboard. Hutch Davis, Charles Hamilton and Nick Lewis were providing good run from the backline. We were playing really good football. A couple of lapses in defensive concentration allowed Williamstown to hit the scoreboard. We were content with our 15 point lead at the main break.
Williamstown were fired up after the break and hit the ground running. We displayed composure and each time Williamstown threatened we were able to get the game back on our terms. Our backline looked strong with Richie Simon, Adam Caplan and Corey Zielinski patrolling the area and we made it difficult for Williamston to score. We took a handy 32 point lead in to the ¾ break. The ruck work of Toby Lipton, Elliot Debinski and Jake Wrobel was giving our midfield a real chance to gain first possession of the ball.
The final quarter was a great contest. While you’re in the game on the scoreboard you are always a chance. Williamstown controlled the first 10 minutes of the quarter and had it not been for inaccurate kicking they would have been closer and perhaps in striking distance. Pleasingly, we displayed composure and tried to hold possession and frustrate our opposition. Each time they threatened we were able to hit back on the scoreboard. Jake Lew converted two important goals in the middle of the quarter to ice the game. We controlled the ball for the last five minutes of the game and ran out winners by 27 points. Toby Sheezel and Matt Lincoln continued their good form in the midfield and Brodie Mond found plenty of space on his wing.
Game #2 of our “mini season” before the double bye will see us clash with Old Carey at Albert Park. A huge game for both teams. For us, it’s all about cementing our spot in the top 4. For Old Carey, it’s about the fight to avoid relegation. Every game is an important game in the VAFA. There’s plenty to play for on Saturday.
Goals: Joel 3, Efron 3, Nissenbaum 3, Lew 2, Lincoln 2, Cohen 2, Sheezel, Hamilton, Berkowitz
Bests: Nissenbaum, Joel , Sheezel, Efron, Lincoln, Cohen
|
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
AJAX |
3.1.19 |
9.6.60 |
15.8.98 |
18.12.120 |
Williamstown CYMS |
3.3.21 |
7.3.45 |
10.6.66 |
14.9.93 |