Many of you will be familiar with 'the Jew test’. It's really nothing too painful but it’s something that often rears its head around major sporting events. It kind of comes with the territory and is ultimately something JC journalists consider par for the course.
Ahead of the Euros, I delved through the squads hoping, no praying, that there was a Jewish player involved. Perhaps Johann Berg of Iceland? He had to be, some thought. Possibly a distant relative of MGBSFL legends Danny Berg of Redbridge Jewish Care or Joel Berg of Chigwell Athletic. Alas no.
And then on to Wimbledon. In time-honoured tradition I scoured the seedings, the draw and even the qualifiers. The usual suspects where there – Dudi Sela, Camila Giorgi and Diego Schwartzman, but not Shahar Peer, Noah Rubin or Andy Ram. Talk about an ever-decreasing pot.
Hence my fascination with William Blumberg, who competed in the Junior Boy’s Singles. I know of many Jewish Will’s, Bill's and not so many non-Jewish Blumbergs. So it was only natural to put two and two together, but to my disappointment I came out with five.
I handed in my interview request to the diligent media team at SW19 thinking bingo. As he strolled on to Court Nine, I thought to myself, “definitely Jewish”. I watched every single shot of the 55-minute match against the talented Denis Shapovalov and waited in anticipation when my man turned up, albeit a few minutes late.
What a pleasant chap, I thought, as he answered each question ... until the big one.
DC: “So now I’d like to talk a little about your religion.” (Please say you're Jewish, I was thinking. Just a little bit ... Say it. Please).
WB: “My dad is Jewish.” Urgh. “And he follows his traditions. And I respect them.” Yes, bingo. “But ...” Oh oh, “my mum is Catholic. And that's how I was brought up.”
It was as though he had sunk a dagger through my heart. Clutching at straws, I asked: "Did you have a barmitzvah?” (Please tell me you've had a barmitzvah?) “No, I didn't.” That's it then. An entire three hours had been wasted by a player who sounded and looked Jewish.
So for anyone thinking that covering Wimbledon is a stroll in the park, think again.
· I’ve heard reports that four new teams will be joining the MGBSFL for season 2015/16, while two, including one from FC Team, have folded.
· Redbridge Jewish Care have announced they are adding a third team next season. There had been reports that they were taking over Real Sosobad but they club have instead drafted in members of the RS management team, as well as a small core of players.
· Lee Fegan, the defender at Temple Fortune, has reversed his decision to retire from the MGBSFL and decided to carry on playing.