Tel Aviv blow away Ra'anana 2; wins for Ashdod A and Lod

Ra'anana B youngsters received a rude awakening after their superb performance in nearly beating Ra'anana 1 last week, losing by 191 runs to Tel Aviv. In other Cup results, Lod defeated Kiryat Gat by 13 runs, and Ashdod A were too strong for Be'er Sheva A, winning by 6 wickets.

Coming up against a rejuvenated Tel Aviv side, who avoided relegation last week, they were soundly thrashed. Winning the toss and electing to bat Tel Aviv smashed 267 for 7 in their allotted 35 overs.

Tel Aviv batted first on an Hadar Yosef wicket that hadn"t been cut for a week.The grass protruded through the Flicx mat but the wicket turned out to be as true as you find them giving both batsmen and bowlers a great chance.

Tel Aviv lost their first wicket for only 7 in the second over. That was the last time Raanana 2 saw a wicket for 16 overs as they were mercilessly taken apart by Stanley Perlman the ICA Chairman. He and Tim Moore (31) put on 115 in only 16 overs and then a further 68 in 5 overs with Sanjay Gupte. In less than than 85 minutes and only 75 balls Perlman smashed 17 fours and 3 sixes in an innings which has characterised his batting throughout his careeer. He rode his luck being dropped at least twice. Russell Corin (32) continued his good form showing promise for the future.

None of the Raanana bowlers were able to contain the onslaught except for captain Anthony Harris who returned 7/1/30/1.

Chasing 269 the Raanana side never really had a chance losing their top order for paltry scores.Only Harris who scored 27 put up much of a fight. For Tel Aviv Zvi Moses had a great bowling debut returning outstanding figures of 2.3/1/2/3 while Chummy 3/22 and Mike Mohnblatt 2/27 sent back the opposition for 76 in only 23 overs.

Menashe Wadhawker took 3 for 11 as Be'er Sheva A were bowled out for just 139 in Ashdod. In reply, Hillel Awasker (32) and Anis Zaveri (50) both contributed as Ashdod sealed victory for the loss of four wickets and with almost 15 overs to spare.

Lod also began their Cup campaign with a win, defeating hosts Kiryat Gat by 13 runs.