Ajax Maccabi Water Polo’s State League 6 Team finished the regular winter season undefeated on top of the ladder. It came up against Ringwood pirates, who only lost one game for the season – a one goal loss to Ajax. On a bitterly cold night in the outdoor pool at MSAC, both sides were extremely determined. The first quarter was an arm wrestle with Ringwood using strong arm tactics to intimidate a much younger Ajax side. Both sides had players excluded for heavy fouls. Ringwood’s best player who last season played in 1st grade dominated with 3 goals and was involved in 4 incidents drawing exclusions from Ajax. Single goals to brothers Brandon & Andrew Joel and Dion De Kruiff had Ajax 4-3 down at quarter time.

Ajax was not able to maintain the pressure over the next 2 quarters. Ringwood scored 6 unanswered goals in the 2nd quarter before Andrew Joel was able to put the ball in the back of the net just before half time. Tensions were rising and a number of players on both teams found themselves in foul trouble.

The 3rd quarter was almost a repeat of the second. Ringwood scored 4 goals to Ajax’s solitary goal scored by Brea Lukav. With scores at 14 – 5 the game was virtually over at 3 quarter time.

Ringwood started the 4th quarter with the intention of physically crushing Ajax. One of the Ringwood players was finally caught punching behind play and was given a red card. The Joel brother ran out of fouls and were both fouled out of the game. Ajax was more interested in playing the game and outscored Ringwood 3-2 in the final to leave the final score 16-8.  (Goals: D. de Kruiff 3, A. Joel 2, B. Joel 1, B. Lukav 1, B. Weinmann 1)

Thanks to Water Polo Victoria for the great photos

After a poor start to the season, Ajax’s senior team finished in 3rd place on the State League 3 ladder. Lead by Alon Pfau and Ofer Rodelsheimer, the team won their last 4 games to rise from last to 3rd on the ladder.

State Championships

The State Championships commence on 19 July. Ajax will again field 2 teams. They still have places in both teams for both experienced and novice players. If you are interested in playing, please contact Paul Fleiszig  (E: paul@aboxford.com.au; M: 0411 228 050)