Young Ashdod edge closer to league title; Be'er Sheva win Division 2

Young Ashdod remain strong favorites to clinch the Division 1 league title after their second straight play-off win, defeating neighbors Neve Yonatan by 16 runs in a low scoring Ashdod derby over the weekend. Sri Lanka Tel Aviv remain the only team which can catch them, and if they can win their outstanding game against Ra'anana this Friday, would set up a winner-takes-all final against Young Ashdod in the last game of the season.

Meanwhile all matches in Division 2 have now been completed, Be'er Sheva A finishing top of the table after a final round draw with Kiryat Gat, whilst Lions Be'er Sheva secured second spot and a promotion play-off match, likely against Lod Rangers who should finish second from bottom in Divison 1 after Ashdod A remained rooted to the bottom of the table following their 4 wicket defeat to Lions Lod on Saturday. In one other Division 2 game played over the weekend, Eilat easily defeated Dimona C by nine wickets.

Young Ashdod, who had comprehenisvely defeated Ra'anana by 157 runs in the first of their play-off matches, with their Sri Lankan quick bowler Kapila Yasaratne taking six for 27, had another of their Sri Lankan players to thank for their narrow victory over Neve Yonatan on Saturday. Left-arm quick bowler Manjula Jayasinge took six for 34 as the title favorites managed to defend a low score, after Matan Razpurker and Aby Daniels shared six wickets between them in dismissing Young Ashdod for just 124.