Maccabi Rugby players in action earlier this season. Photo: AJN file
DAVID WEINER
THE majority of Maccabi Rugby’s first XV might have a Maccabiah gold medal proudly nestled in the trophy cabinet, but they’ll step straight back into finals footy this weekend when they tackle Manly Savers for a spot in the Meldrum Cup Grand Final.
Despite the astonishing results that the Blues racked up pre-Maccabiah, the club’s second-string side was unable to secure the minor premiership over a tough three-week stint in July.
But the result is only nominal, as the second-placed finish still pits the Blues in Saturday’s preliminary final. Both Manly and Maccabi will enjoy a second bite at the cherry should they lose, but a win will advance the club to its second straight grand final on August 22.
Canterbury and Clovelly, who the Blues easily accounted for earlier this year, are the other sides lurking in the draw, while last year’s conquerors Dee Why did not even make the finals.
The majority of the first XV will return to the line-up this weekend after the high of winning Maccabiah gold. While the side will be without forwards Rael Shakenovsky and Jon-Jon Levy (travel) and Kevin Jankelowitz and Jarred Isaacman (injury) for the finals, there will be sufficient cover in the 26-man squad to be announced later this week.
Between Gary Samowitz, Dean Isdale, Brent Rosenberg, Ben Sewitz, Josh Allen, Tony Been, Ryan Fransman and Justin Weiss, the pack will look to maintain the side’s pre-Maccabiah dominance. The only injury doubt lingers over number-eight Dean Friedlander.
Of the reserve grade crop, year 10 youngster Daniel Gogoski was the pick of the bunch and looks to have played himself onto the bench for the finals.
Al Lehrer will once again lead the side from fullback after a stirring showing in Israel. Throw in Steve Cohen, Keith Friedlander and Jarred Shein’s sizzling form over the past month, together with Dan Ezekiel, and it will take a major upset to stop the Blues from securing an historic double in 2009.
Maccabi tackles Manly Savers on Saturday at David Phillips Field, corner of Gwea and Banks Avenue, Daceyville. Kick-off is at 3.15pm.
