Israel finish second; Dokarker wins player of the tournament

The tradition that has developed over recent years of nail biting clashes between Israeli and Belgian junior teams continued on Friday, in the final of the U13 2nd Division European Championships in Gibraltar. Belgium, marginally better in all departments, eventually won by three wickets with a handful of balls to spare, deservingly taking the title. There was however some reward for Israel, with captain Nir Dokarker, who had enjoyed a superb tournament with both bat and ball, being named player of the tournament. This was the first time that an Israeli player had won this prestigious award.

The tournament in Gibraltar featured just four teams; the host country, Belgium, Israel and Italy. For various reasons all the other European countries did not participate, which, without doubt, cheapened the tournament for those who did make the effort to take part. Games were played on a Flicx pitch at the artificially grassed Victoria Stadium, a first class facility nestled just below the Rock, and alongside the airport where RAF Tornado fighter planes took off and landed with deafening noise far too frequently. They were thankfully silenced by a heavy fog which set in later in the week.

Israel began their week with a 26 run win over Gibraltar. Opening batsmen Shlomi Pinto blasted a quick fire 28, including a memorable six over square leg, and Dima Kozlovsky batted through the innings for 16 not out. Gibraltar conceded 67 extras, allowing Israel to reach 126 for 2 in their 20 overs.

Israel's bowlers were equally generous when Gibraltar began their reply. They conceded 65 extras, but still managed to restrict their opponents to 100 for 9, with Jordan Talkar (3 for 17) and Itamar Kehimkar (3 for 18) returning the best figures.

Belgium, who scored a narrow 6 run victory over Italy in their first game, were Israel's opponents on day two. Israel produced an improved bowling performance, conceding 42 extras, but some big hitting towards the end of the Belgian innings took the total to 102 for 3 in 20 overs.

Opening batsmen Gabi Schachat held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals, but eventually became the 7th wicket to fall with the score on 85, having scored a solid 32. With Schachat gone, so to did Israel's chance of victory, and they eventually finished on 93 for 7, 9 runs short of their target.

With Belgium beating Gibraltar to finish the preliminary stage of the tournament undefeated, the Israel v Italy game had little significance, as regardless of the result the teams would meet in the semi final the next day. The Italians, including some players far bigger than any of the Israelis, decided to field first having won the toss. Israel, led by Dokarker with a superb 40 not out, amassed 154 for 3 in their 20 overs. Schachat (17) also batted well, but the biggest contribution of all came from the Italians themselves, who gifted Israel 84 runs in extras.

Israel produced their best bowling performance of the week to easily win the game. Shlomi Korman (2 for 14) removed both Italian danger men clean bowled, and Italy finished on 100 for 8, 54 runs short of their target.

The second, and far more important, game against Italy was a much closer affair. Italy again won the toss, but this time decided to bat first. Their premier batsmen was run out in a awful mix up for just 6, and with him out the way, Italy were always going to struggle. To their credit they did manage to reach 113 for 4; Dokarker (2 for 22) the pick of the Israeli bowlers.

In a change of tactics, the diminutive but fearless Kehimkar was sent in to open the batting with his equally tiny captain; perhaps the worlds smallest international opening pair against two of the worlds tallest opening bowlers, certainly at U13 level. 10 over and 63 runs later Dokarker (22) was out, and Kehimkar (15) fell with the score on 92. Pinto (16 not out) and Schachat (13 not out) ensured the win, with Schachat hitting the boundary to take Israel into the final with 8 wickets in hand and 5 balls to spare.

Although Belgium had beaten Israel earlier in the week, the final was always expected to be a tight game. Israel elected to bat, and once again Dokarker was in top form. With him at the wicket, Israel were heading for a big score, but perhaps the turning point of the match came when he was brilliantly caught by his counterpart Jamie Farmiloe, for a well played 31. Israel eventually reached 108 for 7, a few runs short of a good score but certainly enough to be competitive.

The Israel bowlers once again failed to maintain a disciplined line and length. They did however manage to pick up wickets at vital times, and after 16 overs the match was evenly poised with Belgium requiring 21 runs with 3 wickets in hand. Belgium however grabbed the advantage with a straight four and pulled six off successive deliveries in the over, and completed the win at the start of the final over. Although the defeat left many of the Israeli boys in tears, they soon picked themselves up, exchanged shirts and caps with their Belgian friends, and headed for the awards ceremony where the Belgians received their gold medals, the Israelis collected silver and Dokarker was named player of the tournament.