Ahead of Tuesday night’s Maccabiah trial, my debut, second time around, for London Maccabi Vale, was something of a memorable affair. I am glad to report that I was not given a Wimbledon FC-esque initiation, such as someone cutting a hole in my clothes or setting my car alight.
As expected, with no cricket or competitive sport for 10 months, I was somewhat rusty as I scored a laborious 17 with the bat. With our opponents, Harrow St Mary’s, arriving an hour late, my limbs did not take too favourably to waiting an hour after warming up. It was a pleasure to watch fellow opener Alex Gold (78) and Adam Brand (78) put on 189 for the second wicket with Brand’s 44-ball knock containing five sixes. Fortunately I saved my skin in the field, taking three catches at second slip including two off Martin Schultz, who has just returned from a nasty eye injury.
The Caro school of excellence has unearthed another star. My daughter, Ella, came home with a medal from her first sports day. My late grandfather was a keen hockey player while my father excelled at boxing and athletics for Bar Kochba many moons ago and I’m relieved so see that she is a chip off the old block.
Things were very different in my day with the parents race one of the highlights of the event during my time at Mathilda Marks Kennedy. Not a natural runner, I excelled in the high jump, obstacle race and wheelbarrow race.
Staying on a family theme, my wife, Donna, complains that she doesn’t get enough of a mention in my column. Well, here’s a challenge for her, and my mother-in-law Gill Lerner. I was recently alerted to the concept of extreme ironing and have promised to help them launch a campaign to get it accepted as a discipline at the 2012 London Olympics.
My sister-in-law’s boyfriend, Jon Tiller, formerly of The Veras and Talksport, has finally shaved his head after I told him that he could easily pass as a marginally slightly better looking version of Andy Murray.
London Maccabi Lions A midfielder Ben Joseph has been linked with a move to Hendon United A while Paul Shamplina has returned to East London and will turn out for Glenthorne United in the Premier Division and Masters League.
UJIA are on the lookout for a new boss. Olly Olsen had taken temporary charge following Robin Lester’s departure but the former Arsenal fan has had to relinquish duties due to work commitments. It’s believed that his six-week tenure was the shortest caretaker manager role in JC MSFL history.
Redbridge Jewish Care A player Anthony Mendel is taking part in the London to Southend bike ride on Sunday. He will raise funds for the Kids In Need charity during the 65 mile race.
London Maccabi Lions have appointed Nicky Bloom as their child welfare officer for the forthcoming season.
London Maccabi Vale 1st and Belmont & Edgware 1st return to league action on Sunday. LMV will look to preserve their four-point lead when they travel to UCS Old Boys while BECC visit Stanmore in the Middlesex Sunday League.
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