Tel Aviv win to clinch second spot; Ashdod, Diamonds and Ra'anana advance in Cup

Tel Aviv ended the season on a high note when they defeated Beer Sheva by 6 wickets to clinch second spot in Division 1. In Cup action, Diamonds scored an impressive 16-run win over Dimona C, Ra'anana were far too strong for Rishon and Ashdod A defeated city rivals Neve Yonatan.

In the final league game of the season, Be'er Sheva could not repeat their heroics of the previous week, and their win over Young Ashdod will remain the solitary highlight of their season. For Tel Aviv, 2005 can be looked upon as a season of missed opportunities, losing in two very close games. But for a team that was relegated in 2003 to bounce back and claim second place is an excellent achievement. Winning the toss and batting first Be'er Sheva had 79 on the board after 10 overs. Naor Gudker showed an adventurous spirit and although he was dropped three times, notched up 37 in 26 balls before pulling a hamstring and being bowled next ball. George Sheader and Mishrah Hirendar got among the twenties but the visitors could not muster more than 147. For Tel Aviv Stanley Perlman had a hand in the first 6 wickets to fall taking 3 for 35 together with 3 catches. In reply, Yogesh soon had both Tel Aviv openers back in the hut but Shai Samuel (64) and Paul Thomas (54) put on put on 106 for the third wicket to take the hosts to a comfortable victory.

In whatever sport code, Cup ties often spring surprises, with the little guys upsetting the big boys in a headline grabbing performance. Such a scenario was a possibility before the game between 3rd division new comers Rishon Le Zion and 1st division seasoned campaigners Ra'anana, however by the end of the day the only thing Rishon had managed to win was the toss. This game may not be remembered as a contest - Ra'anana won by 259 runs - but rather as one of those rare occasions in Israel cricket where the players need to wear sweaters and rain stops play. However not even the two short delays in play as autumn rain juiced up the Flicx pitch could halt Ra'anana as they marched towards an innings total of 307 for 7 in 35 overs. Rishon had their moments of joy - Yonni Sidelsky removed openers David Silver (19) and Dani Hotz (27) in successive balls, and Harel Nagan was delighted with his 3 wickets - but a quick 59 from Craig Mischel and a patient 47 from Gal Matz, capped off by a stunning innings from Rafi Zauer, who scored 97* off 47 balls, including five 6's, took the Ra'anana total beyond 300. Rishon were content on batting for as long as possible, and to their credit held out for 32 overs, but managed to score just 48. Ze'ev Landes took 3 for 5.

The all Division 2 tie between Dimona C and Diamonds was expected to be close and didn't disappoint. Shailesh Bothra scored 41 in an otherwise disappointing Diamond innings, but assisted by 51 extras, Diamonds reached 169. Avraham Benjamin (3 for 17) and Jacky Divekar (3 for 24) once again led the Dimona attack. Three top order wickets for Prashanat Prabhakaran had Dimona in big trouble, and although Divekar did his best to bring them back in the game with an undefeated 63, the tail couldn't support him and Dimona C were dismissed for 153. Prabhakaran finished with 4 for 26.