Basketball: Ajax 1 alone at top of table

Ajax 1 has emerged as the side to beat in the women's A grade autumn league, which has reached its midway point.

The powerhouse club scored a comprehensive 73-38 victory against Varsity A in a top-of-the-table fixture on Tuesday night and is now alone at the top of the standings with five wins from five games. Nicole Ruske dropped in 20 points to continue her impressive form, while Matangiora Flavell drilled 15 points and Natalie Smith added 11.

Ajax pulled away during a big second quarter when it outscored Varsity 30-15. When it is at full strength with Goldrush point guard Janet Main running the court, the team is very hard to beat.

However, the club is expected to default next week when many players will be unavailable due to Goldrush commitments.

That will open the door for Varsity. Its defeat to Ajax was its first loss this season and it is still well placed.

Varsity played some good defence but struggled to find its range. Forward Grace Love was in good touch, though. She added 10 points, while Esther Chang top-scored for her side with 13 points.

Magic A is in third place with three wins from five games. It thumped Ajax 2 73-32 on Tuesday. It has had some injury trouble but remains in touch with the leaders.

In the other match the Falcons had their first win of the season with a 55-50 win against Varsity B.

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