The Ramle Express speeds through Ra'anana; Young Ashdod sneak thrilling win over Tel Aviv

Isaac Talkar took 4 for 13 in a magnificent display of fast bowling as Ramle bowled out Ra'anana for a mere 93 to win by 31 runs. Tel Aviv some how managed to conjure up a defeat win winning would have been the easier option. And amongst all the drama one thing remains constant in Division 1 - Isaac Massil keeps scoring runs and Lions Lod keep winning; last week was the turn for Ashdod A to capitulate to the Lions by 111 runs.

In 1979 Young Ashdod and what was the Hebrew University CC (later to become Tel Aviv) tied in one of the most exciting games seen in Israel. Last Friday's game in Ashdod was a game for those with strong nerves, as the two teams once again played out a thriller, with the final outcome a victory by 1 run for the home side.

Everything possible went wrong for Tel Aviv, missing 1 player, from the outset. The first over cost 14 runs and a dropped catch off opener Danny Malyankar who continued his good form this season, taking his opportunity and going on to score 56. Young Ashdod continued at a hectic pace with Shai Penkar and Shmuel Moses each scoring 33. Aided and abetted by some shocking dropped catches and a bag full of wides, Young Ashdod closed their 40 overs on 226 for 7. Omer Penkar took 3 for 47 for the visitors.

If Tel Aviv thought their troubles were over they were soon dismayed by one of the strangest of dismissals, off the very first ball of their innings. Stanley Perlman hit the ball back past the bowler to the long off area, ran through for an easy single and called for a second. The fielder through the ball at the bowlers end, missed the wickets, but the ball rolled through to the wicket keepers end, and hit the wickets with Perlman, more concerned with watching if his partner had made it in, 3 meters short off his crease. Dovi Myers was caught behind next over and at 3 for 2 Tel Aviv were in tatters. A 58-run 3rd wicket stand between Shai Samuel (22) and Sanjay Gupta (33) gave some hope, before Alan Moss (47) and Paul Thomas (25) put on 85 for the 5th wicket. With Steve Leigh (57) and Ezra Ben Yehuda (17) having added a further 70, Tel Aviv looked home and dry at 224 for 6, needing just 3 runs with 3 wickets and 20 balls remaining.

However Viju Deo had other ideas, removing Leigh, who had played his second good innings in a row, leg before. The next batsman in was no where to be found and Tony Wolfman found himself in a daunting position. Ben Yehuda was out off the last ball of Deo's over, and Wolfman bowled soon after. Deo finished with 4 for 29, starring in a memorable win for Young Ashdod.

Ramle were dismissed for 124 by Ra'anana at Hadar Yosef on Friday, with Eyal Matz taking 3 for 5, but if Ra'anana thought they would coast to an easy victory they were soon awakened by Isaac Talkar, who wizzed three balls past opener Rafi Zauer's helmet before rattling his stumps. By the time Talkar stopped for a break Ra'anana were 48 for 6. Shai Hayun showed great skill and application to score 30, but his contribution was not enough as Ra'anana crashed to 93 all out. Apart from Talkar, Shimon Penkar picked up 3 for 7.

Saturday's game between Lions Lod and Ashdod A in Ashdod was a one-sided affair dominated by the Massil brothers. Isaac Massil top scored with 98, and David Massil contributed 55, as the two led their team to a useful total of 248 for 8 in their 40 overs. David then swopped bat for ball and took 4 for 36 as Ashdod A struggled to 137 all out, 111 runs short of their target.