Local league dishes up a thrilling finale

After nearly 9 months of hard played cricket, the 2011 season is nearing its end. With two weeks remaining, the top two teams in the 1st Division go head to head on Saturday with the winner being crowned Champions of Israel.

Young Ashdod, who hold a 4 point lead over Sri Lanka Tel Aviv go head to head in a winner takes all match. The last time these two teams meet, it was the SLTA team that were victorious, by a massive 232 Run margin. This time round, with Young Ashdod holding a 4 point lead, they must be seen as favourites going into the match. A draw would favour Young Ashdod, but the Sri Lankans, with their attacking play could ruin their party.

Last week, Ra'anana's disappointing season continued as they were heavily beating by Sri Lanka Tel Aviv by 7 wickets. They play Neve Yonatan on Friday with the winner cementing 3rd position on the log. Saturday will see Lions Lod, who last week beat Sri Lanka Tel Aviv by 25 Runs, play against Lod Rangers who are 2nd last on the table. Lions Lod will be hoping to end a disappointing season by ending off with a win while Lod Rangers will no doubt use this match as vital preparation for their crucial relegation play off match that will take place on the 19th November vs 2nd Division Runners Up, Lions Beer Sheva.

Beer Sheva won the 2nd division title and secured their 2012 Division 1 status, after suffering relegation the previous year. Their close neighbours, Lions Beer Sheva impressed with a 2nd place finish and will have the opportunity to gain 1st division status if they beat Lod Rangers on the 19th November. Ashdod 'A' , who finished last in Division 1 have been relegated to Division 2.

The ever popular Night League, kicked off last week, albeit for 15 minutes until the heavens opened up which sent the players running for cover.

This Motzei Shabbas, sees a repeat of last years final, with last years winners Pearl Dental CC open their account against Runners Up, Pommeranz Juice Good Old Boys. The match takes place at 19:30 in Modi'in. This season sees two new teams entering the league with a host of junior players representing the Bet Shemesh Royals and the Modi'in Young Lions.