Malyankar century not enough for Young Ashdod; Lions Lod, Ashdod A start strongly

The 2006 domestic season got underway over the weekend with a total of five matches being played. In Division 1, Ra'anana, Lions Lod and Ashdod A all began with victories, whilst in Division 3, Dimona A and newcomers Eilat started with wins over Rishon Le-Zion and Kiryat Gat respectively.

An excellent century by Danny Malyankar (104) set up a useful total of 211 for Young Ashdod against a very ordinary Ra'anana bowling attack in Ashdod on Friday, and with Ra'anana reduced to 62 for 4 in reply, the hosts were firmly in control. However a 5th wicket stand of 89 between Adrian Vard and Shai Hayun swung the game in Ra'anana's favor, and although Hayun was dismissed for 24 by the impressive Raymond Aston (2 for 21), Vard remained focused and saw his team home to a 3-wicket win, finishing undefeated on 80.

The loss of three early wickets did not stop defending champions Lions Lod easing past Tel Aviv, as Shalom Rubin (40*) and Isaac Massil (38*) combined to knock off the 94 runs required at Hadar Yosef. Earlier, Anim Solomon (4 for 15) spun his way through a Tel Aviv middle order that offered almost no resistance. Lushenko Perreira (43) was the only batsman to make any sort of contribution as Tel Aviv were bowled out for a disappointing 93.

Newly-promoted Ramle found the going in the top Division tough first up, soundly beaten by 74 runs by Ashdod A. Mensahe Wadhawker (78) led Ashdod A to 224, despite Samuel Borgawkar picking up 4 for 40. Ramle were never in the game afterf losing their first five wickets for just 52 runs, although they did manage to reach 151 against very tight and impressive Ashdod bowling.

In Division 3, Dimona A bowled out Rishon Le-Zion for 108 at Hadar Yosef, and although Rishon put in a good bowling and fielding performance, Dimona A secured a 4-wicket win.