MAL held their family fun day in aid of Camp Simcha on Sunday, at Mill Hill Village Sports Club.
The day was a resounding success with over £2000 being raised for Camp Simcha, that helps to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and other life threatening diseases. This was mainly done through a raffle as well as the sale of food on the day.
Things kicked off in style in the blistering heat with a four-team seven-a-side football tournament comprising of teams from Alei tzion, R cam, Oz V Hadar togehter with MAL.
The surprise package turned out to be MAL themselves, who entered a team that comprised mostly cricketers with the odd footballer, and found themselves top of the standings after the group stage. They duly made their way to the final, though sadly lost to an Oz V Hadar team who after a slow start got stronger and stronger as the day progressed. Goals from Natan Weisenberg and Chaim Gothold sealing the victory.
In the 3rd place play off Rcam edged out Alei in a tense penalty shoot out. The games were all played in a great but competitive spirit.
The Twenty20 itself was contested between London, captained by Gav Lebens and the Rest of the World, led by Mark Landau.
ROW batted first and posted a formidable total of 170 from their 20 overs, with knocks of 30+ by Richie Weinburg and Grant Traub (batsmen had to retire once they had reached the 30 mark).
Wickets were shared amongst the London bowlers, with Yoav Lebens being impressive, though wicketless, Steve Leven picking up a couple with some teasing spinners, and a couple of outstanding stumpings from the evergreen Mel Corin.
London began their reply cautiously with Jon Begner and Avi Kestenbaum, before Avi was picked up to a smart caught and bowled by Landau at the second attempt.
There was some ever frugal spin from Grant Traub and good pace shown by Mark Beder. Begner showed some impressive hitting, as did a middle order of Yoav Lebens and Liad Shababo, who both raced past the 30 mark, taking a particular liking to leg spinner Malcolm Siegel’s bowling. The unfortunate leggie went for 35 from two overs including two massive sixes from Liad. This took the London side to the brink of victory, which was duly sealed with an over to spare thanks to some nice shots from Aaron Djanogly.
Aside from the sporting events, there was a BBQ marshalled by Leslie Allweis, a popcorn machine, face painting, a cracking PA system providing music throughout the day, a bouncy castle, and various other things aimed at keeping the very healthy crowd fed, watered and entertained.
The day finished with the drawing of the raffle, as a host of excellent prizes went to some eager homes, including a signed bat by famous cricketers.
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