Ben-Zaken and Waskar star as Israel defeat Greece

A vastly improved batting performance from the Israeli batsman set up another victory for the U15 team at the European Championships being played this week in France. Whereas in yesterday's victory over France the batting lacked discipline, the application and concentration was evident today and was reflected in the score of 182 reached after the team was asked to bat in overcast conditions. Opening batsmen Shai Hayun and Raz Ben-Zaken added 93 for the first wicket, from which Israel never looked back and the result was hardly in doubt.

The Greek opening bowlers destroyed the Italian batting in their first game, and the task was never expected to be easy. But the Dimona pair of Hayun and Ben-Zaken played straight, with patience and slowly accumulated their total. With both playing so well and looking comfortable, a run out seemed the only way they would be seperated, and indeed that was the case. Ben-Zaken played the ball through the on side, the midwicket fielder deflected the ball with his foot into the path of mid on whose direct hit left Hayun stranded half way down the pitch having scored a good 32. Danny Hotz contributed a brisk 28, and Ben-Zaken, fealing the heat and fatigue having batted for almost two hours, was caught for 55. The innings closed on 182 with Oren Chinchulkar (19*) and Bar Ilya (7*) at the wicket.

Israel's bowling and fielding performance wasn't quite perfect, but certainly was far too strong for the Greeks. After wickets for Michael Muchie and Eyal Matz, and a run out, reduced Greece to 16 for 3, leg spinner Ronen Waskar took over, bowling a superb spell of 6 overs, 5 for 18 which earned him the man of the match award. Muchie (1 for 5 in 4 overs) and Matz (1 for 11 in 5 overs) can also be proud of their efforts. Greece were eventually all out for 106, giving Israel victory by 78 runs.

Israel has already ensured their qualification for the premier group in the second stage of the tournament, but will be looking to win their final preliminary game against Italy tomorrow to ensure that they finish top of the group. Germany secured their qualification to the premier group after their second straight win this morning's second game, with Belgium favourites to join them. All the results from the games played so far -

Israel 156/9 beat France 131 by 25 runs Greeece 83/3 beat Italy by (82 all out) by 7 wickets

Group 2 (Sunday 10/8):

Germany 200/6 beat Spain 143 by 57 runs. Belgium 259/6 beat Gibraltar 133 by126 runs

Group 2 (Monday 11/8):

Germany 159/0 beat Gibraltar 156/6 by 10 wickets