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Team GB Maccabiah Games coverage
Team Maccabi GB scoop first medals of Maccabiah Games BY DAVID SAFFER
Maccabiah debutants Team GB girls lacrosse team has claimed at a silver medal at the 20th Maccabiah Games. Competing for the first time in the games the result was an outstanding result during the opening few days action, despite losing the gold medal match to the USA. The Lacrosse team had opened their account with a first ever win at the Maccabiah when they defeated Israel 17-15 in overtime. A thrilling match had finished 15-15 so both teams agreed to play on until someone came out victorious. Team GB came through and after losing to USA 18-6 in the second group game, defeated Israel 9-3 in the semi-final shoot out to earn another shot at Team USA in the gold medal match in Netanya. Amy Ansell who set up the team flew out for a surprise visit to see the semi-final clash. “It was an epic game so they have now definitely won a medal,” said an elated Amy, who flew back to London after the game. “The atmosphere was incredible, with parents and supporters excellent.” Elsewhere, Jonah Alfert picked up the first medal for Team GB when he won bronze in the U55kg category prior to Phil Bloom winning bronze in Masters Judo over100kg category. More Team GB success came in team events with the junior girls and masters’ mens table tennis winning silver in the team event, and junior boys winning bronze. As the sporting action began in earnest, the U18 Badminton squad kicked off its campaign. Eleanor Levy, 15, who has only been playing the sport for six months won her opening encounter against India. “I came out with very low
Opening ceremony in-depth coverage on Page 24-25 ALL PHOTO CREDITS: DANI DEITCH
expectations and didn’t think I’d win a match so it’s amazing to win a game at the Maccabiah,” she said. “The Team GB spirit, everything surrounding the trip has been amazing, it’s an experience of a lifetime.” “I’m very excited about playing against Israel and Turkey,” added teammate Ariella Aaronson. “I’ve not been playing for long so mostly came for the experience and it’s been amazing.” Despite losing their opening clashes, taking part in a Maccabiah has been a positive experience for Joseph Gavzey and Joel Winston, who both chalked up 11 points but went down to the Israeli number
one and two seeds in their opening group stage match. “It’s going to be really tough but we are trying our hardest,” said Joseph. “I’ve been training for two years to get into the team and it’s been worth it, the experience has been incredible. Being here has been greater than my expectations. “I’m very much enjoying it,” commented Joel. “It’s exciting, meeting new people and playing against amazing players that I’d not normally come up against. “There was only a slim chance of getting through the group so to be part is great.” Team GB Cricket defeated Israel by 85 runs. Marc Reinhold scored
87 and Adam Brand 51 in a total of 187-9 before rattling out Israel for 102 with Ben Lederman taking 5-15 and Steven Reingold 3-31. In early futsal fixtures the U16
Boys drew with Israel 2-2 whilst the U18s thumped Italy 6-2 then lost heavily to Spain 6-1. The junior CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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