David Silver, playing his first game since having undergone a knee operation, hit a polished 90 to lead Netanya to a 88-run victory over Ramle in a Division 1 game played at Hadar Yosef on Friday.

Despite the early loss of Solly Bergman, Netanya always looked liked posting a big score after they had won the toss and decided to bat. A combination of woeful bowling by Ramle, who conceded 60 extras, and aggressive batting by the home team saw them reach 269/8 at the completion of their 40 overs. Whilst Silver was the mainstay of the innings, he received solid support from young opening batsman Gal Matz (32). The two added 160 for the 2nd wicket. Having removed Matz, Dani Hotz (10) and Silver in quick succession, Ramle would have hoped to restrict Netanya to under 220, but Rafi Zauer (26) and Adrian Vard (31) continued the good work of the top order in adding 58 for the 5th wicket. Shalom Rubin and Aaron Abraham were the only Ramle bowlers to return respectable figures, each finishing with 3 for 49.

Despite the daunting target, Ramle set about the task with determination. Aided by very poor bowling, Ramle were on course as they passed the 100 mark in the 16th over. They could not however maintain their momentum, as wickets fell at regular intervals. The notable exception was opener Rubin. Unlucky not to have been included in the Israel squad that participated in the recent European Championships, Rubin showed great powers of determination and concentration, scoring an undefeated 78. Steven Shein picked up 3 for 23, and there were two wickets each for Gedaliya Auerbuch and Matz, as Ramle were dismissed for 181.

The win seals Netanya a place in the league semi finals, alongside Lions Lod and Tel Aviv. Be'er Sheva are favourites to clinch the fourth spot, although they will need to defeat Netanya in their final league game to secure their berth.

© ISR