Israel score comprehensive win over Germany

Israel revenged their defeat to Germany at the 2001 European U15 Championships final with a comprehensive victory today at this years event in France. Israel lost the toss and were asked to field in wet and overcast conditions, but from the moment Oren Chinchulkar bowled Germany's best batsman in the very first over Israel never looked back and were in control all the time.

Israel's opening bowlers were simply superb. Chinchulkar grabbed another wicket clean bowled, and by the time both he and his new ball partner Michael Muchie had bowled the first 8 overs, Germany were 13 for 2. Eyal Matz has bowled well all week, and a wicket in his first over reduced the Germans to 13 for 3, which became 27 for 4 when he picked up a second. Leg-spinner Ronen Waskar has been another to have excelled throughout the tournament, and as has become almost normal, he took a wicket in his first over, yet another fine stumping by wicketkeeper Shai Hayun, to leave the score 41 for 5. Muchie returned to grab a well deserved wicket and make the score 62 for 6. A few loose balls eased the pressure on the Germans somewhat, and although Waskar got his second wicket, and the teams 7th, with the score on 88, Germany's 117 was a few runs more than Israel would have wanted to concede after their fantastic start. The bowling figures were good all round, with Chinchulkar (2 for 22), Muchie (2 for 18), Matz (2 for 23) and Waskar (2 for 12) all completing their six overs with respectability. Only Eliezer Yugadayev (0 for 37) wasn't quite at his best.

Israel had a shaky start chasing a small score against Italy on Tuesday, and were looking to avoid the same jitters today. But Hayun (0) was out in the first over, and Yugadayev (0), promoted to number three, soon after to leave Israel at 13 for 2. Waskar was sent in with the objective of avoiding further loss, and he added 36 together with Raz Ben-Zaken for the 3rd wicket before falling for 4. The platform was now set for captain Danny Hotz to finish off the job, and he was to do so in expert fashion. Ben-Zaken once again played superbly, but unfortnuately wasn't able to stay till the end. With his score on 42 he played a tired stroke to a wide ball and was caught in the covers. With Hotz playing well, the result was never in doubt, and Israel reached their target in the 24th over, with 6 wickets in hand. Hotz finished 35 not out and Muchie 7 not out.

Israel go into their final game of the tournament tomorrow against Belgium knowing that another win will secure them the championship. The Belgians, who are a good, disciplined team, will provide tough opposition. They are currently playing France in the day's second upper group game.

In the lower group, Greece beat Gibraltar this morning and Spain are currently fielding against Italy.