Fittingly, it will be defending champions Tel Aviv who kick off the 2002 program, as they take on Netanya at Hadar Yosef today. Whilst the Tel Aviv side, captained by Herschel Gutman, will be keen to get off to a winning start and repeat their feat of last year, Netanya, having requested and been granted permission to play on Friday's, have been boosted by the availablity of a number of exciting and young new players looking forward to experience league cricket, and the team has high hopes for a successful season.

Lions Lod and Ashdod 'A' have dominated the local game for most of the past decade, and the meetings between the two teams have always been highly charged affairs. The Lod outfit boasts the talented Massil brothers, Isaac, David and Gershon, as well as the Israel opening pair of Yefet Nagavkar and Mahendra Jaiswar. There is no shortage of experience or quality in the Ashdod outfit either, with captain Hillel Awasker a consistent performer and all rounder Menashe Wadhuker another player with international experience and looking forward to a good season.

Neve Yonatan, having easily won Division 2 last year to secure promotion, travel to Be'er Sheva to begin their campaign. The Be'er Sheva side will have their sights set on repeating their top 4 finish of last season, whilst Neve Yonatan will want to impress after spending a season in Division 2. The Ramle versus Young Ashdod game will be considered a crucial game by both teams - neither is expected to challenge for silverware, and although much cricket will be played through the season, the result may prove influential in the battle to avoid relegation.

The first round of games in Division 2 will be played next week.