The Jewish holiday of Purim is marked by fancy dress and exchanging food parcels, which together with 3-days off school make it the favorite holiday for every child. The ICA marked the holiday with mini-cricket tournaments and an U15 game between a North X1 (Ra'anana and Ashdod) and a South X1 (Be'er Sheva, Dimona and Yeruham), which has now become an annual fixture marking the opening of the new season.

Over 80 children participated in the two tournaments held on Tuesday; players from the South meeting in Dimona; with Ra'anana Park playing host to teams from the center of the country.

Dimona, located in the heart of the Negev desert, was also the venue for the ICA Purim Cup played on Wednesday. The game was a one-sided affair, as the South won easily by 63 runs. Having won the toss and chosen to bat, the South lost a wicket off the first ball of the match, but contributions from left handed Salamon Varsuker (41*) and Ronen Wasker (16*) saw them reach 176/8 off their 30 overs. Eyal Matz took 3 for 27.

The North's reply got off to the worst possible start as the top 5 followed all departed in quick succession. Reuven Bergman (19) and Gabi Shachat (14*) both batted with skill and patience as they added over 40 runs for the 6th wicket, but the task was always going to be beyond them, and 113/9 was all the visitors could reach.

The South retains the ICA Purim Cup (they won the inaugural game last year) and as such will host the fixture in 2003 as well.

Scores:

South X1 176/8 (S. Varsuker 41*, R. Wasker 16*, M. Muchie 14, N. Banker 13; E. Matz 3/27, R. Bergman 2/25)

North X1 113/9 (R. Bergman 19, G. Shachat 14*; Levy 2/22, A. Changulker 2/15)

South X1 won by 63 runs.

© Israel Cricket Association