Ra'anana defeat Ashdod/Lod to win U19 league

The three-team ICA U19 league which has run through the month of August came to a close Friday, with Ra'anana defeating Ashdod/Lod by eight-wickets in Ashdod to take the title. A Negev X1 were the third team in the 25-over competition.

Ashdod/Lod were soon in trouble having been asked to bat as a fine piece of fielding from the Ra'anana captain Rafi Schachat meant that opener Gilon Samuels (4) was run out early. Although the home side lost a second wicket, star batsman Itamar Kehimkar played some majestic shots to reach his half century. With partners and overs running out, Kehimkar played one shot too many and was caught magnificently by fellow Israel senior player Josh Evans, one-handed on the log-on boundary. Ashdod/Lod captain Yossi Ochayon (31) shared in an 80-run partnership with Kehimkar, which proved the foundation of their 128-run total.

Ra'anana made light work of their run chase with Evans showing his class, playing some beautiful cover drives, on his way to 58, well supported by Mikki Cohen (24). Although both were dismissed, by then the game was over as a contest and the visitors completed a comprehensive 8-wicket win with six overs remaining. The tournament proved a good success for the ICA's ongoing efforts to develop the game amongst Israel's youth. The older players who play in the senior leagues benefited from the added responsibilities of playing without adult involvement, as well as competing against their peers, whilst the younger players enjoyed invaluable experience of playing real, hard-ball cricket they are not often exposed to.