We witnessed the long-awaited comeback of Big Brother star Ziggy Lichman last weekend. Preferred to the much-maligned Andrew Okin, Lichman was relieved that his return was not greeted by a plethora of paparazzi. There was not a reporter or camera in sight as he got Southgate Harmen A's second division title bid on track in a 3-2 victory over Rapid Banta.
Speaking of No. 1s, Chigwell Athletic keeper Adrian Bourne has been forced to retire as a result of a persistent knee injury. Nicknamed Poppa, the stopper has been with the club since inauguration and played for the A team for six seasons.
Club chairman Richard Slater led the tributes. "At 45 years young, Adrian's fitness and agility defied his age, and he really was a top goalkeeper for us during our progression from Division Five through to the Premier," he said. "I speak for all the senior players who've played with him when I say that his presence will be missed. We all hope to see him over at games and hope to keep him involved in some capacity next season.
Founder member Darren Morris said: "Aid's has been a great servant to us. Get off your line Aid!" Russell Yershon said: "It's been a pleasure playing with Adrian for the last seven years on and off. He's a true Chigwell legend."
Former Wingate & Finchley and London Maccabi Lions striker James Gershfield made a dream start to his American scholarship after coming off the bench to score twice in six minutes on his debut for Fort Lewis College.
The 19-year old from Stanmore joined the college side, nicknamed the Skyhawks, who play in the NCAA championships. The Team GB marksman has made a great first impression after his brace against UC-Colorado Springs in their opening season match.
Gershfield said: "It was such a great feeling to score in front of a massive crowd. Hopefully this is just the start."
Remember that painful incident when former Liverpool defender Phil Babb slid into a post trying to stop a goal. Well, FC Team stalwart Gideon Moss imitated the incident in the B team's victory over South Manx B. Fortunately for Moss, "his crown jewels escaped intact though his ribs were bruised with possible damage to his spleen, kidney and left thigh".
Angelo Mathews, who once played for Casual Nomads, has been setting the world alight for Sri Lanka A. Having scored a double hundred for Nomads against London Maccabi Vale three years ago, he smashed 131 against South Africa A in an unofficial test match.
The Potchefstroom wicket resembled the Shenley surface, on which Mathews also excelled, on as the visitors amassed 749-5 in a four-day match that saw almost 1,500 runs scored.
Real Life have pulled off a coup by signing former Oakwood EDRS playmaker Dan Markeson.
Montana Boca United A make their debut in the London Sunday Intermediate Cup with a trip to Bath Old Boys United of the Southern Sunday League in Wimbledon. Other Maccabi League teams involved include Faithfold, who travel to Cool Oak Rangers, and Chigwell Athletic who face Docklands.
The top JC MSFL fixture comes in the Premier Division where title hopefuls Hendon A entertain Chigwell A.
Spare a thought for Maccabi League treble champions MAL. With the league title and Twenty20 trophy already in the bag, they won the playoff final on Sunday but have, to date, not received any trophies or medals. Perhaps the Maccabi League organisers are instead organising an open-top bus ride through North West London.
