First XI skipper Dave Gelbart shows his bowling style. Photo: AJN file

SIMON MORAWETZ

THE Maccabi AJAX First XI fell agonisingly short of victory with Cheltenham clinching the win with just two wickets in hand.

A brilliant bowling performance from skipper Dave Gelbart, who snared 4-37 from his 24 overs -– including a staggering 12 maidens -– wasn’t enough to get the Firsts across the line in the last game before the break on December 19.

All-rounder David Fayman (2-20) was the only other multiple wicket-taker.

In a thrilling finish to the hard-fought contest in Melbourne, the Firsts needed three wickets, while Cheltenham needed 15 runs.

Gelbart got the breakthrough for his side, but it was the visitors that prevailed with a stubborn ninth-wicket stand that went on to post 42 runs.
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First XI skipper Dave Gelbart shows his bowling style. Photo: AJN file

SIMON MORAWETZ

FIRST XI captain Dave Gelbart brought Port Melbourne to its knees with a stunning five-wicket haul on the first day of the match.

Gelbart’s was one of several excellent performances that has Maccabi AJAX in a strong position in the match, which resumes on Saturday November 7.

Port Melbourne was all out for a modest 119 with Maccabi AJAX at 1-45 at the end of the day.

Gelbart won the toss for his side’s home clash against Port Melbourne and sent the visitors in.

It proved a smart move early on, with a spate of top-order wickets leaving the batting side at 5-50. Gelbart was in top form, and finished with the outstanding figures of 5-42.

He had important assistance from Hayden Lipsitz (2-13 from eight overs) and Brad Majtlis, who took two fantastic close-in catches.
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