Wow…..at the North we are having an amazing return from COVID!!

The stage is set for the next few months to get back into the groove and put the last two years behind us…. It is marvellous to have all our sports back in full swing and with their governing bodies allowing spectators again, means that there is always some sort of activity at the North….we are also experiencing a resurgence of events being hosted at our beloved grounds…..and with all the anniversary events coming up, there is plenty to do and watch over the next while…I will list the dates a little further down, to remind everyone to diarise their favourites….

Firstly let us have a look at football….our Juniors have been super busy, some sides faring a little better than others, but marvellous the see and to feel the excitement and see all the enthusiasm gendered by the little players is really something to experience…this spirit has been contagious and moved up to our top sides and they are now also enjoying a golden run….after having beaten the top sides in the last few weeks and some results also going our way….mean that we are within three points of being on the crest of the Super League….we travel to Befordview this week, to play a “catch up” game…and with a favourable result, we will go into the “derby match” next weekend….near the top of the league standings… as a special day, the “derby” will be a football extravaganza and a super reunion, with past players that have represented the North being invited to see how Football and the Club has grown since they pulled on a jersey competitively…. It should be a fantastic day of celebration and I am sure there will be plenty of reminiscing and many friendships will be re-ignited on the day…Join us for what promises to be a memorable “jol”!!

Our rugby boys have endured a tough season, being moved up a couple of leagues, into the top Valke league….but many lessons have been learned and we were unfortunate during more than one only one match to only lose by a couple of points…so well done to our boys on showing plenty of commitment…we are very proud of you… our Rugby juniors have been hard at work and have been practicing really well and are now rewarded next weekend with the hosting of their home tournament….busy day, with the derby on the Main Club side…the junior Rugby tournament will be on our rugby fields on the JBH side of the grounds…

Cricket as also getting into swing, with Junior trials commencing this weekend…and senior trials being held next weekend (yes!! You read correctly!!) As if we don’t have enough on the 20th….we also have the senior trials….please get ready for all our sports getting together to show off their talents….

Hockey is busy winding down…after a stop-start last two years, their leagues are now slowing down and the league winners and wooden spoonists being resolved in the next week or two…Juniors have also experienced some changes in the practicing and playing format…there have also been lessons learned with these changes….and our Junior committee have proposed that we start fearing ourselves up for next year already…and will have a “meet-and-greet” for all the players to get together with the committee, coaches and players for next year….the date set for this day of exploration has been set for…yes, you guessed it….the 20th!! It will continue again the following Saturday 27th, but the energy of the 20th now includes hockey….

Our athletes had their Comrades get together on Wednesday the 17th….and are now ready for Sunday the 28th which is their day of reckoning….good luck to you all, I am sure you will achieve your goals…..

Our new Joker draw now has three cards turned over….and the current Jackpot stands at R11715….join is this Friday for a relaxing evening….enjoy a refreshment with a friend…or meet some new ones….hope to see you there….

Just a quick run down on dates to diarise….

• August 13th Junior Cricket trials
• August 20th Football derby day, fun activities and food stalls available…. Junior Rugby tournament…with a beer tent Senior Cricket trials Junior Hockey “meet-and-greet”
• August 27th “Big Day Out” music festival (tickets through the Green. Live on Facebook)
• August 28th Comrades Marathon
• September 3rd Hockey tournament
• September 23rd 50th anniversary dinner
• October 1st Glimlag Fees (Smile Foundation) music festival (tickets through TicketPro) – there will be substantial discounts for Northerns members

I hope that you will be able to join us at some of these fantastic events….
The North will be “cooking”!!
Have a great week
Cheers
Rod