SIMON MORAWETZ

THE Maccabi AJAX First XI has its sights on a third-straight win after a strong showing with the ball on day one of its match against Brighton District in Melbourne.

Except for a frustrating partnership late in the day, the Firsts, led by yet another five-wicket haul from skipper Dave Gelbart, dominated to restrict Brighton District to 9-196.

The Firsts got off to the best possible start, removing both openers cheaply. They kept up the intensity to have Brighton reeling at 6-81.

A solid partnership pushed the score beyond 120, before the next wicket triggered another collapse, during which the side lost three wickets for just 12 runs.

But Brighton defied the odds to bat out their overs and Maccabi AJAX was left to rue a missed opportunity.

The Second XI is in a commanding position after day one of its clash against Brighton District, after skittling the side for just 107.

Winning the toss and sending the hosts in, the Seconds tore through the batting line-up with fierce bowling and enthusiastic fielding.

Adam Lubitz (4-24 from 13 overs) produced a slick spell of pace bowling, while Marc Lipsitz (3-23 from 10) also proved too much for the hosts.

Youngster Michael Feiler continued his stellar start to the season with two more wickets as the home side was bowled out inside 38 overs.

In response, Maccabi AJAX lost opener Devan Spilkin for just five, the side finishing the day on 1-9.