ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
It's one down, four to go. Temple Fortune A, my first men's team, were the first to win an MSFL title this season after sealing the Division Two crown. A draw should be enough to see Redbridge Jewish Care A land the Premier Division on Sunday when they take on nearest rivals Hendon United Sports Club A in a dress rehearsal for the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final on April 17.
The sides experienced contrasting fortunes last weekend. Redbridge cruised to a 6-0 win over my North London Raiders A team. We were down to the bare bones and only managed to field 10 players. I even had to run a line and I can tell you it wasn't easy trying to keep up with Daran Bern, who has been one of their standout players this season. Bern is a leading contender for MSFL Player of the Year.
Hendon had a frustrating morning as they were up against another depleted team. North West Neasden B had just eight players available and the quickly lost another two to injury.
Hendon manager David Garbacz said: "We were all severely disappointed at the events. We were up for the game, had a strong squad and were confident of a big win.
"I felt sorry for those who had turned up and who clearly just wanted to play football but it was also very annoying that a club of Neasden's stature cannot raise a full team. The ref had no option but to abandon and we expect the game to be re-scheduled and when it is we would hope to complete a proper competitive fixture."
Redbridge beat Hendon 6-4 in October and having fired 17 goals in their last three games, only a brave man would bet against them completing the first half of a possible double.
● Four teams are relishing the prospect of playing in the Maccabi Masters Division Two Cup final at Barnet FC. Though I doubt that players from semi-finalists - Glenthorne United B, EDRS Stonegrove, London Maccabi Lions and Temple Fortune - have considered the prospect of the famous Underhill slope, especially if the match goes to extra time. They could do worse than to go to track and field legend Roger Bruck, a die-hard Bees fan, for some stamina advice.
● Jonny Haik is my Player of the Month after putting in some excellent displays for Faithfold over the past few weeks. With Mike Pearson cup-tied in the Peter Morrison Trophy, Haik has worked his socks off in attack to steer the Superhoops into the cup final. Zuriel Solomon wins the top manager award. Check out the full list of winners on the website.
● Warwick Blake will referee the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final between Hendon and Redbridge at Wingate & Finchley. He will be assisted by Steve Levy and Stuart Ansher. Gary Silver is the fourth official. Robert Benardout will take charge of the JC Barry Goldstein Cup final.
● Maccabi GB are holding their first Community Cricket six-a-side tournament on April 3. The event is open to players of all abilities, aged Under 11 upwards. A beginners' cricket skills workshop will also take place.