Israel edged closer to a world record for consecutive wins after a hard-fought 20-11 victory over Austria in Netanya.

The home team ran in two tries, by Stav Gurtovoy and former London Welsh forward Matan Brosh. Amir Beutler scored the other ten points from kicks in Israel's 13th straight win.

Victory means Israel have not lost in over two years and are only four off New Zealand's record of 17.

It also puts Israel at the top of their European Nations Cup group and looking good for a second consecutive promotion that would take them into the fourth division out of seven for Europe's top teams outside the Six Nations.

Coach Raanan Penn said: "It was great day for Israeli rugby although we had probably our worst game for along time. But a win is win is win.

"I think the full potential of our current team is around the top 45 in the world but that will take three years and a lot of effort."

Matt Frankfurt who played for GB at the last Maccabiah came on for the last 30 minutes to win his seventh cap as a replacement hooker.

Frankfurt said: "It was great to come on and help us consolidate the win."