SIMON MORAWETZ

THE Maccabi AJAX First XI returned from its mid-season break in disappointing fashion, offering no resistance to Beaumaris in its one-day encounter in Melbourne on the weekend.

Rowan Bricker’s knock of 11 was Maccabi AJAX’s top score, as the Firsts battled to avoid an outright defeat.

The First XI lost the toss and was sent in to bat against an attack featuring a former Victorian paceman. Things got off to a bad start when opener David Majtlis edged one behind, and they got worse when his brother Brad left the ball onto his stumps.

When David Fayman was dismissed by a mercurial catch at gully, the score was 6-33.

The procession of batsmen continued with no-one able to make a start. Bricker was the only player to reach double figures, as the Firsts collapsed for just 59.

In response, Beaumaris battled through an early wicket or two to pass the required score with six wickets in hand.

Spinner David Majtlis (4-70) fought hard throughout the day, as did skipper Dave Gelbart, who earned his two wickets.

The home side declared 89 runs ahead with 23 overs left in the day.

While hoping to avoid a replica of the first innings, Maccabi AJAX immediately lost a wicket.

Brad Majtlis played positively and scored 25. Fayman occupied an end with style and maturity to hit an unbeaten 27 and by the end of the day, the Firsts had reached 7-82.

The Second XI suffered a big loss at home to Beaumaris.

After sending the visitors in, the Seconds had plenty of work to do, conceding 7-205 from 40 overs.

Ever-reliable spinner Simon Fisher was the standout bowler, capturing 5-28 from his seven overs, while Justin Kramersh (2-43) gave his all throughout the innings.

When the time came to bat, the Seconds lost three top-order batsmen for two runs, before Darren Bloch and Jason Webb forged a partnership.

After Bloch was trapped in front for 10, the next three wickets followed with no addition to the score.

Michael Bell (28) came in down the order and added a few to the scoreline, but the Seconds were ultimately dismissed for just 70.

The Third XI hosted Parkdale and did well to restrict the visitors to 8-100 from its 36 overs.

Consistent bowling, which was backed up in the field, contributed to the low score. However, the Thirds were rolled for just 51 in a disappointing finish.

For the Fourth XI, promising youngster Jeremy Balbin proved the star, top-scoring with 31.

Joel Beebe took 5-41 in Cheltenham’s innings, but his haul could not stop the hosts reaching an imposing 8-235.

A 50-run stand between Balbin and Allan Sheffield (25) got the Fourths on the right track, but tight bowling from the hosts kept the total to 111.

The Silver Arc Fifth XI lost the toss against Emmanuel South Oakleigh and was sent into the field. They managed to restrict their opposition to 4-151 from their 45 overs, thanks in large part to Laurie Shneider, who returned 1-9 from nine overs.

Yossi Herbst and Aaron Fetter were the other bowlers to claim wickets. In response, the Fifths mustered 77, with contributions from Damien Sackville (11 not out) and Jared Abrahams (10).

The First XI takes on Bentleigh in a one-day match on Saturday, January 16, at Gary Smorgon Oval. Play starts at 1pm.