One week before the start of the (upgraded this year) Division III championship, teams are battling the 'cup of the little ones' with coaches viewing the games more as a rehearsal.
The pair have been "precedents" since last year's playoffs where Maccabi Sarim excluded Ashdown on penalties (1-1) but did not gain the promotion as she was subsequently excluded. This match had eliminated Sarai Lizzie Bitton who changed camp this summer, so she will not be able to fight against her ex!
This, of course, was not the only change in the two rosters. There have been many and significant upheavals with Sarim moving in shallow water, while Ashdown has been shopping from high shelves and has emerged as one of the contenders for the ascent. The fans are so warm that they are expected to give a thunderous presence inside the headquarters of the Sarim.
Of course we are in a cloudy landscape waiting for the first racing samples, but based on previews, we would not favor the home side as a favorite.