It was heartening to read the ICC’s glowing report on the cricket4peace project in Israel. Philip Hudson, the ICC Regional Performance Officer for Europe, and Roland Lefebvre, the High Performance Manager for the KNCB, praised the efforts of the Israel Cricket Association for the award-winning scheme that allows Israeli and Palestinian children to play cricket without fear or prejudice.
After completing his first trip to Israel, Hudson said: “It’s been a wonderful experience. The ICA is continuing to develop cricket in a challenging but beautiful environment while also running special projects such as Cricket4Peace.
“My knowledge of Israel and some of the challenges that are faced in trying to develop the game out there have been greatly increased.
“It was a pleasure to see some old friends again in their homeland while also being provided with the opportunity to work with Israel’s leading senior and junior cricketers.”
* If ever there was an athlete deserving of an Olympic wild card, it’s Dudi Sela. His hopes of making the London Games look doomed following his early exit from the French Open.
I recall how he was at rock bottom after missing out on the Israel squad in 2008 and hope that lady luck smiles on him when the squad is finalised. He has been a great ambassador for the country on Davis Cup duty and win or lose, has always made time to speak to me at Wimbledon.
* Two English teams have been invited to take part at Jom Ha Voetbal in Amsterdam on Sunday week. Treble winners South Manchester Sports have been drawn alongside FC Troostwjik, Guts & Glory and Maccabi Paris Ouest in Group A, while MSFL Division One champions Oakwood, Maccabi Schieten, JZC and Small Passy make up Group B.
* Josh Lipman has won the Players’ Player of the Year award at treble winners Hendon United Sports Club A. With the JC MSFL awards night around the corner, there’s a chance he’ll have to find some extra room in his trophy cabinet for even more silverware.
Goalkeeper Russell Corin won the Manager’s Player accolade. Yoav Kestenbaum edged out Danny Kon for the Young Player gong. Jon Toby capped an excellent first season at FC Team A by winning the club’s Manager of the Year award.
* Jennifer Simmons, 21, set a 400m personal best of 56.8 seconds when winning her event at the North of England Division One meeting in Hull.
