Match Report
Round 7
21 May 2022
AJAX v Beaumaris
After working our way to a 3-2 start to the season we looked to continue our winning form with the challenge of playing Beaumaris at Banksia Reserve. We were forced to make five changes to the team with a mix of injury and unavailability. This gave three players the opportunity to debut for the senior side. Remy Spicer, Raph Light and Loki Zielinski were all excited by their selection and looked forward to the challenge. It was a perfect day for football. The game proved to be very high standard with both sides applying pressure all over the field. It was a real contest for four quarters
The first quarter began with Beaumaris controlling the first five minutes and scoring two goals. Pleasingly, we weathered the early dominance of Beaumaris and were able to control the ball in our half of the ground. Toby Lipton provided excellent contests around the ground and Matt Lincoln was enjoying space on the big ground on the wing. Goals to Kane Nissenbaum and Toby Sheezel, both from set shots, gave us reward for effort. We trailed by 7 points at quarter time.
The second quarter began with an early goal to Beaumaris. We displayed excellent composure throughout the quarter and read the situation of the game really well. Reece Israel kicked a clever goal that lifted the side. Our defence withstood Beaumaris forward thrusts and we were able to hold on late and withstand Beaumaris attacking thrusts. Corey and Loki Zielinski were teaming well together and Adam Caplan and Richie Simon were playing strong games against taller opponents. Beaumaris took a 19 point lead in to half time.
Beaumaris were able to dominate for a 10 minute period in the third quarter which effectively closed out the game. They played with speed, skills and aggression. Even their scrappy hack kicks were hitting targets. Our defence stood no chance. Pleasingly we rallied and kicked the final three goals of the quarter to give ourselves an outside chance of a win. Remy Spicer kicked a clever goal and no doubt enjoyed being surrounded by all his teammates. Our midfield players were working hard with Toby Sheezel and Benji Krongold getting plenty of the ball. We trailed by 32 points at ¾ time.
The final quarter was a really good contest. We kicked the first goal of the last quarter with a crumbing masterclass from debutante, Remy Spicer. The next goal was going to be vitally important to our chances of success. Unfortunately, the Beaumaris tall forward line remained tall and were able to take critical marks and kick goals when it counted. We missed a couple of opportunities in our forward half that may have given us a chance. In the end Beaumaris was just better than us in each quarter and ran out with a thoroughly deserved 43 point win. If we maintain that level of effort each week we will be a good team. A team that people can be proud to support. Our next challenge is our visit to Mentone this coming Saturday to play St Bedes.
Goals: Spicer 2, Nissenbaum 2, Sheezel, A Caplan, Lipton, Israel, Krongold
Best: Lincoln, C Zielinski, Lipton, B Caplan, Efron, A Caplan