ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
In a week in which Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina admitted that they are little more than a two-man team, Yossi Benayoun stuck his head above the parapet with his first Premier League hat-trick.
The Israel captain ended a disappointing week on a high note, showing Liverpool supporters and reminding manager Rafa Benitez what he is capable of. As a Liverpool fan, his display against Burnley, where he finished with his third treble in a red shirt, gave reason to believe that all might not be lost after all. After each strike, he kissed his wedding ring and looked up for his loved one in the Anfield crowd, and he featured in team of the week across every Sunday national.
Nick Goodmaker, the manager of Montana Boca United B, had some harsh words to say about South Manx B who were forced to call off their scheduled Division Three match due to a player shortage. “Teams unable to raise a team in only the second week of the season do not deserve to be part of the MSFL,” he told me. “We’ll be given the points no doubt and the bog standard 0-0 win, I only hope it doesn’t have repercussions later in the season. The players and I are disappointed to say the least.”
It was later explained to me by a member of the Manx squad that “several players were on holiday and the postponement was a one-off”.
Real Life hotshot Charlie Bernstein joined the 100 club after the first of his brace in the 4-2 defeat against UJIA.
“Not bad for a 37-year-old,” Bernstein commented.
In cricket, Israel take on England in an international futsal friendly double-header in Hereford on October 9 and 10.
Jonny Wineburg, chairman of the Northern Jewish Cricket League, reflected on the end of the season. “More than 130 players have been involved matches this year and the emergence of new teenage talent means a bright future for our league.”
Wishing my family, friends and all JC readers a happy and healthy new year.