Talk about rubbing salt into the wound. I feel for Jo as I know how much time, effort and dedication she has put in for the only major to elude her. She now faces a period of soul-searching as she has been well and truly kicked in the teeth.
I sincerely hope she keeps competing and is a fixture in the 2012 London squad.
My old pal Herschel Gutman has returned to South Africa following a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where he rubbed shoulders with some of the world's top cricketers. Gutters lined up alongside Jonty Rhodes and Adam Bacher and was disappointed to come off second best against an India A team in a series set up as part of the celebrations of Israel's 60th.
"What a world class trip this has been," said Gutman who performed solidly with the ball. "The Indians had some quick bowlers, spinners who turn it miles and batters who play such a good game. They are the best I have ever bowled to. The way they pace their innings, with soft hands in the middle of the innings to keep rotating the strike and when they want to they just pull the trigger and smash it. The bowlers were very good but I'm not sure if they have got what it takes to make it to the full Indian team. I will be following them in the IPL."
Speaking about his idol Rhodes, who was making his first visit to Israel, he said: "Jonty is a legend, they love him. He's a great guy who talks a lot and is very, very humble. He shares a lot of knowledge and is great with the kids and his fans. "This has been an absolute treat for me. I'm upset it's over, but learnt a huge amount."
We saw some crash, bang, wallop Caro at the crease last weekend as I scored a quickfire 53 for London Maccabi Vale in the defeat against UCS Old Boys. Together with the easy-on-the-eye Paul Durban, our good work proved in vain as we came up short against a masterful Aussie. Next up is a trip to Finchley where a run feast is on the cards.
Best wishes to Belmont & Edgware all-rounder Simon Durban who suffered a broken ankle on Newlands & Northwood's annual tour.
Edgwarebury drew their tour match against Butleigh. For 16 years FZY/MAL players, family and friends have headed west to tour, originally for three or four matches, but they're now down to one token match without next of kin, just to keep the tradition going.
This year they played a single match on a picturesque postage stamp of a ground with a view of Glastonbury Tor. The usually reliable Anthony ‘Mamba' Wise was systematically hit all over the county of Avon until he was mercifully removed from the firing line after just three overs of carnage. Chasing 246 for victory, Edgwarebury were indebted to a magnificent 141 from Mark ‘Toffee' Landau as they finished 30 runs behind with one wicket remaining.
Glenthorne United manager Ian Cohen has made some top quality signings. Gavin Factor, Steve Faye and Russell Leiter have joined the Premier Division new boys. Cohen said: "We are still looking at other players and will make decisions on those boys shortly. Gavin looks as though he could be a big player for us this year. Steve certainly needs no introduction, and if he comes with the determination and drive that he says he has for this year then he can be a huge asset to the team."
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