The fairytale is over but the dream remains alive. I was informed on Friday that I had not made the Team GB cricket squad competing at next year's Maccabiah Games in Israel.
It doesn't say anywhere in the laws of cricket that the Sports Editor of The Jewish Chronicle should be picked for the Great Britain team competing at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, but I wish it did.
I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt. Devastation, pain and sadness were among the initial reactions that entered my body when manager Nigel Rothband told me the dreaded news. As Nigel said, the standard has gone up since last time and the presence of three first-class players ensured that I had not made the grade.
I have no complaints and believe that I was given a fair trial. I have told Nigel that should he need me, I will be ready, willing and able to join the squad. I always felt that, if selected, I would rise to the challenge. I've done it before and I can do it again.
I received a late call-up in 2005 and know that anything can happen. That said, I'm not getting my hopes up as the news has certainly hit me for six. When there is half a chance and it doesn't happen, then it is difficult to deal with it. I want to thank my wife and kids for keeping my spirits high over the weekend, but the rejection is all I think about when going to bed or waking up. I was proud to represent my country four years ago and if anything, it has given me more of an incentive to make the team next time.
I remain motivated to ensure that I'm not a one-hit wonder but now know how Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke felt when they missed out on the Ryder Cup squad and Paul Gascoigne when he was not selected for the World Cup.
Here's wishing Nigel and the boys the best of luck in Israel next year. I will be rooting for them and sincerely hope they return with a medal and give South Africa and Australian a run for their money.
In the world of football, I have left FC Team with mutual agreement. A club statement said: "It is with great sadness that FC Team and Danny Caro have parted company. Danny was always a great help, with a great attitude and his knowledge of the game helped us develop as a club. He will be sorely missed and always welcomed back. We wish him all the best in the future and he will leave as an FC Team legend."
A host of clubs have come in with some tempting offers, both on a playing and advisory level, and I'm currently considering my options.
There was some late transfer action ahead of last weekend's JC MSFL week one action.
The most notable saw North West Neasden A re-sign Daniel Stanton from Wingate & Finchley. In Division Two, Southgate Harmen A signed former Golders Green player Roie Makdasi.
We will see the first clash of the titans on Sunday when defending champions North West Neasden A host London Maccabi Lions A at Bricket Wood. The Lions were the only team to beat Neasden in the league last season and with the with Ricky Kennet and Lee Bibring having swapped clubs over the summer, it could turn into something of a grudge match. Kennet is unavailable as he's attending a barmitzvah.
Camden Park hotshot Darren Saffer was on cloud nine after bagging a brace in the opener against North London Raiders A. He said: "It's great to be back after nine months out and two operations."
Southgate Harmen A will look to avenge an opening-day defeat when they host Rapid Banta at Ashmole School in Division Two. It appears that my curse of tipping them has added to the weight of expectation. Keeper Andrew Okin said: "We've made a disappointing start, but we haven't won our first game of the season for about six years so the defeat against Red Sea wasn't unexpected."
Talksport presenter Ian Abrahams, better known as Moose, will be playing and commentating at the Chris Barrel Celebrity Charity five-a-side competition at Redbridge FC on Sunday.
The fervent Hammers fan hopes to line-up alongside former West Ham favourites Geoff Pike, Mark Robson, Paul Brush and Alan McKnight. Other teams featured include Spurs, Millwall, Charlton, Southend, with Mark Falco, Gary Groom, Colin Walsh, Bob Bolder, Danny Maddix, Perry Suckling, Dean Holdsworth, Terry Alderton and Colin McMillan among a host of celebrities.
