There can be few places in the world where cricket is played under such harsh conditions as in the Negev desert. Both "fields" in Be'er Sheva and Dimona are patches of sand and rocks, completely barren of grass.

Temperatures can reach the high 30's, sand storms are frequent and the "pavilion" consists of a small canopy and a few plastic chairs. Yet despite the conditions, cricket continues to flourish in all three Negev towns - Be'er Sheva, Dimona and Yeruham. 4 of the 14 teams in the senior leagues are based in the South, and the junior players being produced from the numerous youth clubs are becoming the strength and pride of the ICA development program.

Children from disadvantaged communities, some with very difficult socio - economic backgrounds, are being given hope and enjoyment from cricket - despite the conditions they practice almost daily and the improvement is starting to show, clear evidence being provided yesterday as Be'er Sheva won their first ICA Junior League. The abundance of potential being unearthed in the dusty area Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, promised to "make bloom" is certain to serve Israeli cricket well for many years to come.

Defending champions Ra'anana Cricket Club became the first Israel junior team to go on a tour, as they embarked on a 2-day trip to the Negev, hoping to defend their title. On Sunday they were hosted by Dimona, where they played a Negev X1, and yesterday by Be'er Sheva.

Although the hospitality was warm and friendly, on the field it was full competition, Be'er Sheva clinching the title with a 69-run win over Ra'anana. Batting first, Be'er Sheva captain Oren Chinchulker top scored with 35 at his team scored 170 for 7 in their allotted 34 overs. In reply, Ra'anana, missing 3 leading players, scored 101, of which Gal Matz contributed 50 not out, batting through the innings. Leg spinner Ronen Wasker took 3 for 17, again displaying his superb talent. Despite the defeat, Ra'anana's performance was an improvement of that which they managed on Sunday against the Negev X1, where they were bowled out for just 51, and lost by 8 wickets. Raz ben-Zaken, Wasker's spin twin for Israel at the recent U13 European Championships, took 4 for 7 in a brilliant spell of off-spin bowling.

Three matches still remain in the competition, but Be'er Sheva, having won all 5 of their games so far, can watch as Ra'anana, Negev and Ashdod fight it out for second place.

© Israel Cricket Association