Ashdod A v Ra'anana in Cup final

Ra'anana coasted to a 6-wicket win over Lod on Friday to secure a place in the ICA Cup final which will be played on Friday in Ashdod. Ashdod A defeated Diamonds in their semi final played last weekend.

Against tight and disciplined bowling, Lod could manage just 129, as the gap between first and second division teams was once again exposed. Hanan Sagadson (24) played a patient innings after Lod had been reduced to 33 for 3. Abraham Penkar (17) and Jacob Levy (25) both played well towards the end of the innings to give Lod some sort of total to bowl at. Adrian Vard (3 for 23) frustrated all the batsman with his lack of pace, and Des Moss (1 for 15) was his economical self.

Danny Hotz and Rafi Zauer made a bright start, bringing up the fifty in the 6th over. However, with the score on 72, left arm spinner Levy gave Lod real hope by removing Zauer (23) and David Silver (0) in successive balls. Hotz kept his momentum however, taking Ra'anana to the brink of victory before being bowled for a well played 72.

Looking ahead to the final, Ra'anana would probably be considered slight favorites on the basis that they have beaten Ashdod twice in the league this year. Their batting is the real strength with all top 5 batsman in good form. However Ashdod cannot be underestimated. They scored a fantastic win over Lions Lod in the quarterfinals, and between all rounder Menashe Wadhawker, the experienced Hillel Awasker and the potentially destructive Danny Malyanker, will be confident of securing the trophy. Play starts at 9 o'clock.