It’s a crying shame that there’s such a big cloud hanging over one of the games and one of the individual performances of the season. It was one of those matches the neutrals did not want to end.
The controversial Peter Morrison Trophy semi-final between Lions and Raiders was a showcase for the talents of Josh Kennet. The Lions attacker literally had NLR full-back Alex Bloch in knots. It was one of the most sensational individual displays I’ve seen in many a year.
A big crowd had come to watch Austin Lipman, the former Arsenal starlet, but Kennet was undoubtedly the star of the show.
And it would not surprise me if he was the first name on Andy Landesberg’s squad-list for Team GB Open football at the 20th Maccabiah Games.
The tie certainly lived up to the pre-match hype between the two best Jewish teams around. I don’t know of many sides that would fight back from 4-1 down against a star-studded Lions team. NLR deserve huge credit for their tremendous show of character.
Having had a 10-day break, the experience will certainly serve them well going into Sunday’s Cyril Anekstein Cup final against Oakwood A, even Bloch, who remains one of the most reliable defenders in the league.
* There are not many Jewish clubs that can boast having a former international and top-flight professional as their manager. It was great catching up with Scott McGarvey this week. After marrying a Jewish woman, his love affair with Manchester Maccabi has really blossomed. I don’t expect him to have to say too much to his players in the dressing room before Tuesday night’s County Cup showpiece against Waterloo. His sheer presence and experience will hold the team in great stead.
And with players of the calibre of Ashley Loofe and Mark Bell — two players who impressed me in Team GB colours at the European Maccabi Games in Berlin — it would be great if they can clear the final hurdle.
* Rowley Lane has had its fair share of A-list celebrity guests. Arsene Wenger has been spotted there once or twice and Arsenal colleague Mesut Ozil was the latest visitor, filming a photo-shoot for Adidas, featuring The F2 Freestylers.
* Congratulations to HMH U18s who have reached their first Watford Friendly cup final. Look out for Nir Wegrzyn’s wonder kids at Harvesters FC on May 15.
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