David Silver and Des Moss, both founding members of Netanya Cricket Club, scored half centuries, steering their team to a comfortable 7-wicket win over Be'er Sheva 'A', in a game played in Be'er Sheva on Friday. The Netanya team, missing 5 regular players and including 4 debutants, played well in all departments to secure the win.

It was Be'er Sheva, having won the toss and batted, who got off to the better start. Opener Shimshon Tzurekar played some fine shots both sides of the wicket in compiling 53, whilst George Sheader played another composed and patient innings, contributing 24. The pair added 66 for the 3rd wicket, and at 120/2 after 20 overs Be'er Sheva looked set for a big score. But when Myron Jacobs removed both batsmen in successive overs, Sheader somewhat unluckily playing onto his stumps, Netanya found themselves right back in the game. Not for the first time this season, the Be'er Sheva middle and lower order failed to capitalise on a good start, as they lost their final 8 wickets for just 45 runs. Only Daniel Pingele (15) reached double figures before he was unfortnuately run out. Moss picked up 3 wickets in his second spell, finishing with 4/31, and Jacobs bowled well in taking 3/38.

Be'er Sheva may have had a glimmer of hope of defending their score when Naor Gudker bowled Gal Matz for 2 in the very first over, but that soon dissapeared as Moss and Silver began enjoying perhaps the best batting pitch in the country. By the time Silver fell for 68, the score was 134 and the game all but won. Moss (53) fell LBW to Gudker very next over, but Dani Hotz (11*) and Adrian Vard (14*) ensured there were no further hiccups as the victory was ensured with 9 overs in hand.

Despite the defeat, Be'er Sheva do qualify for the semi-finals, having finished the league in fourth position. They will meet Lions Lod, who finished top, whilst Tel Aviv play Netanya in the second semi-final. The games are scheduled for October 11th & 12th.

© Israel Cricket Association