Having secured five consecutive promotions since joining the Chess Valley League, LMV are preparing for their first season in the top tier. And Haffner believes exciting times lie ahead on and off the pitch.

Announcing a sponsorship deal with the JC, Haffner commented: “London Maccabi Vale is going from strength to strength with our senior 1st XI team now playing in the top division of the CVL against some of the best clubs in Middlesex and Hertfordshire and a thriving colts section from U11s up to U15s.

“This partnership will provide an invaluable outlet for the Jewish community to find out about our exploits and we hope also raise greater awareness of the JC and the quality output it produces across our membership.”

LMV junior and senior players will line-up for the season in new Gray-Nicolls kits, with the JC logo emblazoned on their shirts.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis dropped into LMV’s first outdoor net session last weekend and sent down a few deliveries, impressing members of the 1st XI during a visit to Rowley Lane.

The club has also confirmed a prestigious friendly against the Archbishop’s XI, as well as the return of a 2nd XI “to give colts experience of adult cricket and provide a bridge between the junior section to the first team”.