September is traditionally one of the busiest months on the Jewish sports calendar. My phone hasn't stopped ringing and, as my wife will support, there is hardly a spare date in my diary.
With the MJSL and MSFL well under the way, the Maccabi Junior and Maccabi Masters Leagues have just kicked-off, while there is also the annual crossover with the end of the cricket season. Sunday's final should be a thriller.
I was compere at Pinner JFC's 25th anniversary dinner, in aid of Meir Panim, last weekend. Sitting alongside ex-Hendon and Southend midfielder Phil Gridelet, one of my boyhood heroes, at dinner, I was joined on the stage by Ronnie Rosenthal, who is always happy to talk about "that miss".
Ronnie had some interesting thoughts on the Israel national team and believes that it is the top Ligat Ha'Al clubs who should take the blame for failure to qualify for major tournaments rather than the manager.
He said that the Israel will be left behind for some time until the top clubs invest in academies and better facilities for younger players.
● There were sub-plots galore in Sunday's FA Vase meeting between London Lions and London ASPA. Played on 9/11, the match featured a Jewish team against a predominantly Muslim team, as well as black, Asian and Jewish officials. Oliver Simnock, the brother of North London Raiders keeper David, was assistant-referee. His brother also had a busy Sunday, playing 90 minutes for Raiders B followed by 60 minutes for the C team in the win over SPEC. After helping the Cs at short notice, he wins my award for Hero of the Week.
● Southgate Harmen A have moved to a new ground. Founded in 2000, they have ended a 10-year association at Ashmole School and will set up at the 3G pitch at Southbury Leisure Centre in Enfield. Dan Uzan's team are scheduled to play their first match in Enfield against North London Raiders on October 2, the same day they plan to unveil a new kit, sponsored by Genesis Insurance. Harmen B will continue to play at the Mole.
● Best wishes go to SPEC goalkeeper Michael Rhodes who faces several months on the sidelines after tearing a cartilage in his right knee for the second time. The stopper, who underwent surgery this week, suffered the mishap in training. SPEC's Ricky Lawrence said: "It's a huge blow but we've acted fast in ensuring cover for the No. 1 spot. We're close to securing a couple of signings who should keep us covered between the sticks."
● Sunday will be an emotional day for Eilon Kennet – the new manager of Redbridge. Only a few months ago, he made a tearful farewell from Rowley Lane and I'm sure he did not expect to be returning so soon. Kennet enjoyed several successful seasons at the Lane and I'm sure he'll receive a special welcome.
● Watch out for MAL's Kevin Venter in Sunday's Maccabi cricket final. Described as a "more than capable middle-order batsman and brisk medium pace bowler," he has represented the South African national side in deaf cricket competition.
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