AJAX makes a splash in State League 3
THE Maccabi AJAX Water Polo Club had a stellar season in the State League 3 (SL3) competition, finishing runner-up behind the undefeated Richmond Tigers after an 11-4 loss in the grand final.
After placing third on the ladder with seven wins and five losses, AJAX came up against a dominant Richmond Tigers – which boasts three former Australian representatives – in a tough grand final.
It was the first time AJAX featured in the SL3 since being the grade’s champions in 1989, and after winning the SL4 competition earlier in the year, the side was brimming with confidence heading into the higher grade.
But reaching the decider was no mean feat for the team, which had to play three finals matches within five days.
The finals campaign kicked off with a gruelling 4-3 victory over Melbourne Collegians, before AJAX defeated Melbourne High School Old Boys 8-6 to set up a mouth-watering clash with Richmond.
After matching it with the fancied opposition in the opening quarter, AJAX trailed by only one goal at the first break.
But it wasn’t to be for the Jewish side, which tired out as the game went on to eventually lose by seven goals.
The club has had a hugely successful year all round, with its junior clinic improving the games of 25 aspiring stars, as well as fielding a SL5 team made up of 15 and 16-year-olds who battled hard against the league’s much bigger bodies.
The club will field three teams next year for the first time, with sides set to challenge in the SL5 and SL3 grades, as well as the under-16 competition.
Training will commence in April, after the club’s junior program runs again in February and March.
Enquiries: Paul Fleiszig paul@aboxford.com.au.
AJN Staff
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