I recently returned from two sun-soaked weeks aboard a Mediterreanean cruise ship. As you would expect, I made sure that it had a strong sporting theme.
After seeing the caves, tunnels and monkeys of Gilbraltar, we moved on to Corsica and Cannes before the piece de resistance, Barcelona. Visiting the city for the first time, a few hours away from the wife and kids were spent at the Nou Camp, an experience that I will never forget.
The stadium and museum tour were first class as my group were shown around the changing rooms and media facilities before walking down the steps and on to the pitch. Cesc Fabregas doesn't know what he's missing!
Ibiza and Malaga were next on the agenda followed by Lisbon where the Estadio da Luz was next on my to-do list. Although not quite as impressive as Barca, it's not every day that you get the opportunity to have your picture taken next to Eusébio (well a life-size statue) and Victoria the Eagle.
Vigo was the final destination before we disembarked at Southampton. I decided not to pop in to St. Mary's, much to the relief of my family.
Other sporting highlights included being shipmates with Keith Deller, the former darts World Champion, and a spot of mini-golf and air hockey. No cruise would be complete without a Shabbat service and I did my good deed for the day by making a minyan on Deck Two.
● Manchester Maccabi's preparations for the new season have seen them come up against some high-profile opposition. Daniel Selwyn and Rafi Leeker were on the mark in the 3-2 defeat against Daisy Hill. This was followed by a 2-2 draw against a World At Your Feet Soccer Academy Select XI featuring Manchester City old boy Nicky Summerbee, Michael Gray, the former Aston Villa star, Ian and Lee Fitzpatrick, Mike Renwick and Dave Ryan. Josh Rubin and Emile Davidson netted.
● Norstar B triumphed over the A team and NOBs in the annual Rose and Joe Silverstone Memorial Cup at Gosling Stadium. Phil Peters scored the winner in the first game as they beat the As 3-2. Norstar B then drew 2-2 with NOBs with former Barnet and Leyton Orient player Matt Lockwood guesting. The As grabbed the wooden spoon as they could only draw 1-1 with NOBs in the final match.
● Hendon United Sports Club B have withdrawn from the JC MSFL. This has allowed Southgate Harmen B to climb into Division One and FC Marylebone to move into Division Two.
● Four teams will battle it out for the 2010 Invitational Trophy in Enfield. North London Raiders C will take on Zig Zag in the first semi-final with Blizzard Storm up against UJS Norstar B.
● Daniel Morris raised £3,000 for Maccabi GB after completing the London Triathlon. He took part in the sprint category and achieved his goal of not finishing last.
● Gavin Stollar, the former London Maccabi Lions B manager, has been appointed as an Academy Scout at Leyton Orient.
