Sport news

Young Israelis claim squash silver

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:47:19 +0100

Israel’s under-15 team finished runners-up at a competition in Gerona, Spain.

Having knocked out the favourites and no. 1 seeds France in an earlier round, the young Israeli players drew praise, from all teams and their managers, for their sportsmanship and tenacity in a competition where they succumbed to England in the finals.

(Pictured from left:) Raz Friedman, Sahar Kedar, Yalli Shas, Ido Burshtein, Nadav Wilensky (coach), Stan Tannen (chairman of Israel Junior Squash)

It's all change at L'Equipe

Danny Caro — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:00 +0100

Josh Lewis and Daniel Cordell will lead L’Equipe FC in the 2013/14 season, the club has announced.

Both players have featured prominently for the club over the past six seasons and have been rewarded with two-year contracts.

A club statement said: "Josh and Daniel have given their all on the pitch and we have no doubt that even more time and energy will go into their new roles off the pitch. We wish them the best of luck."

The new management team replace David Prager who has stepped down after two years in the hotseat.

The statement continued: "David has put a great deal of blood and sweat into this job and the team are very grateful for all his hard work.

"We look forward to seeing his return to the pitch and at least five goals will be expected during the course of next season."

Football in brief: May 24

Danny Caro — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:38:08 +0100

Tom Rosenthal, the son of former Liverpool, Spurs and Israel striker Ronnie, has been awarded a full-time scholarship at Watford.

* Edgar Davids has agreed to stay on as head coach at Barnet FC following their relegation in the Blue Square Conference Premier.

* Former Chelsea striker Ben Sahar has been handed a two-year contract extension by Hertha Berlin who have been promoted to the Bundesliga.

Brilliant Bohn is the king of Herts

Danny Caro — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:36:26 +0100

Jeremy Bohn warmed up for this summer’s Maccabiah Games by winning the Herts Salver at Aldwickbury Park.

The Team GB captain, who is a member of Hartsbourne Golf Club, produced an excellent finish to edge out Luke Hynes of Porters Park.

Bohn said: "I had a poor 2012 but was pleased to qualify for the Maccabiah team once more, though I knew I would have to improve my game if I am to compete for medals out there.

"As the weather has been so poor this year, hardly any golf has been possible, so I have been concentrating on getting as fit as I can and practising with a new set of irons I acquired."

Bohn, 41, achieved the best score of the day, going round in a two-under-par 69. Starting his round on the 10th tee, he reached the turn in 32 shots (-3) and proceeded to cover the tougher front nine in 37 (+1) to win by one shot and qualify for the County Championship.

He said: “It’s great to win the County qualifier, especially as so many of the top amateur players are 20 years younger and full-time golfers once they leave school.

"Now I hope to compete well at the County Championships in June, as well as continue my form through the season in the Glancy and, most importantly, at the Maccabiah in Israel.

"I played really well, but the key is always to hole some putts and I did that at crucial times."

Super Sela on the up

Simon Griver — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:32:03 +0100

Dudi Sela regained his place in the top 100 after winning the Bosun Challenger tournament in South Korea.

The Israeli climbed to 88th place in the ATP rankings and although he has refused to play in the qualifying rounds of the French Open, he hopes to make the main draw as a lucky loser.

Sela will play in the Nottingham Challenger next month followed by the Wimbledon qualifiers.

In 2011, Sela won both competitions in Korea and Nottingham and was given a wild card entry to Wimbledon.

Brilliant Brand fills his boots

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:29:12 +0100

Adam Brand continued his preparations for the 19th Maccabiah Games by blasting an incredible 200 not out to steer London Maccabi Vale to victory in the Middlesex Sunday League.

The Team GB captain came to the crease after 10 overs, joining opening batsman Danny Caro, and together the pair took the game away from Rajput Saraj, adding 261 for the second wicket.

Brand smashed 10 sixes and 25 boundaries in a belligerent innings and passed the 200-mark with an overthrow on the final ball of the 40th over as LMV finished on 329-3.

LMV went on to win by 199 runs, with Jonathan Freedman, Michael Ziff, Jordan Urban and Joseph Greenwall-Cohen each taking two wickets.

LMV captain Neil Lederman said: "It was a brilliant win to kickstart our Middlesex League season, showing that even though the club has put a lot of resources into the colts set-up over the last few seasons, sometimes it takes a couple of experienced players to get the job done.

"It was a great knock from our now senior statesman in the side. We can only hope he takes this form into the Chess Valley League, which we have entered for the first time this year, and on to the Maccabiah where we both hope to be bringing back a medal."

Altman on the up at Fulham

Simon Griver — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:26:54 +0100

Omri Altman has been handed an improved two-year contract by Fulham and promoted to the club’s first-team squad.

The 19-year-old Israeli impressed during 24 appearances for Fulham’s under-21 side this season and over the next two year he will be given an opportunity to prove if he is Premier League material.

A former captain of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth team, the Cottagers have converted Altman from an attacking midfielder into a striker. Altman joined the Fulham Academy in 2011 after trials with Liverpool and Arsenal and signed a two-year professional contract on turning 18 early last year.

Altman will be a key player for Israel at next month’s Euro under-21 Championships. Israel hosts the tournament and has been drawn in the same group as England, Norway and Italy.

Altman’s agent Ronen Katsav said: "Omri is continuing to progress and it is very exciting to see a 19-year-old doing so well at a club like Fulham.

"I hope we will be impressed by the progress he is making during the Euros."

Altman himself has said that he has been enormously influenced over the past season by the presence of Bulgarian star Dimitar Berbatov at Craven Cottage.

Hyams the hero for Blizzard Storm

Danny Caro — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:21:47 +0100

JC MSFL DIVISION TWO
SPEC FC 2 BLIZZARD STORM 4

A hat-trick from GARY HYAMS saw Blizzard Storm stunned third place finishers SPEC FC in a six-goal thriller at Rowley Lane.

Dan Simons maintained his excellent run of form with his fourth goal in two games to seal the win.

SPEC FC's goals came through James Segal and Marc Hecht.

Blizzard boss Simon Linden told JC Sport: "I'm delighted to get nine points from our final three games. Everyone worked their socks off and to beat a team that was a inch from promotion shows you how good we can be.

"I look forward to a much better 2013/14 with a few good signings and the club being much more competitive."

SPEC's James Lesner told JC Sport: "Blizzard ran out deserved winners in a game where both teams had relatively little to play for.

"They played some great passing football that left us wondering how they didn't finish higher in the league.

"James Segal scored a screamer, but ultimately it wasn't enough on the night.

"We've finished the season in third place, having not lost against the top two teams, and will definitely come back stronger next season."

Gold helps Lions B finish on a high

Danny Caro — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:18:24 +0100

JC MSFL DIVISION ONE
NORTH WEST NEASDEN B 1 LONDON MACCABI LIONS B 5

JAMES GOLD was the hat-trick hero as Lions B climbed to the top of the table with a five-star win over Neasden A.

A double from Jonny Cutter sealed the victory as Jamie Kyte’s men laid down the gauntlet to Camden Park who require a point in the final match of the season against Temple Fortune on Sunday.

Alex Lewis grabbed a consolation for Neasden.

Lions boss Jamie Kyte told JC Sport: "What a fantastic way to end the season and what a season it's been. We've had our ups and downs, but in the end we've been consistent, mainly because we have one of the most solid defences in the MSFL.

"It's great that we've got the runners-up spot and if Temple Fortune beat Camden this weekend we could even win the league.

"Camden have been great this season, when you look at their fixture list and you see how many cup games they had and to think they're sitting top now is a great credit to the management and depth in squad."

After the game, hat trick hero and MOM James Gold commented: "It's been an absolute privilege playing with this team. I've never enjoyed my football as much as this season.

"It's fantastic that we've got the chance to get promoted and next year our squad will be even stronger. To all footballers of the Jewish faith, if you're looking for a team that's got spirit, fight and on top of that, a fantastic ground, I urge you to come to our pre season training to see if you want to join a Premiership club."

Kyte added: "It's going to be emotional to say goodbye to Jonny Cutter who's been magical this season. He's off to NYC and we wish him all the best."

Outgoing NWN boss Dan Hodes told JC Sport: "The performance was indicative of our season. We showed glimpses of promise and some good moments, but struggled overall.

"This season hasn't been easy, but the team can hold its head high in its attitude and endeavour and we regrouped around each other after many left the club early on.

"I'd like to thank all the team for representing the club in the best fashion possible and fighting hard to avoid relegation."

Garcia leaves Maccabi Tel Aviv

Simon Griver — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:35:50 +0100

Oscar Garcia has resigned as coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv manager.

Garcia led Maccabi to the Ligat Ha'Al title in his first season in charge, but is reportedly leaving because his wife is unsettled in Israel.

Garcia is tipped to take over La Liga outfit Osasuna if they are not relegated.

Meanwhile, Ran Ben Shimon has been appointed manager of Hapoel Tel Aviv. Ben Shimon won Ligat Ha'Al with Hapoel Kiryat Shmona in 2011/12 and has been in charge of AEK Larnaca over the past season, guiding them to fourth place in the Cypriot League.