Warm greetings to everybody…..

This past weekend I was able to experience the highs and lows, exhilaration and despair of Masters Hockey…..a special place, where the mind says that you can do what you did in your twenties….whilst the body shouts back and replies….”that was more than thirty years ago!! Never!! Slow down!!” Every year at around this time…a flock of ageing party lovers and rockers….cunningly disguise themselves as Hockey players….and descend on a pre-determined city to paint the town red and convince everyone around that hockey is one of the best sports and past times to follow and play…whilst attempting to party the entire weekend away….interrupted during the day by the obligatory two games of hockey….to confirm that there was actually a sporting purpose for actually going on tour….and judging by the looks of the participants on early Sunday morning…it was a roaring success….and this is not like a woman’s pregnancy….we do not say shortly thereafter…..Never again…..we immediately shout and scream….”I can’t wait for the next one”……so using the first line of the John Denver Classic ….all my bags are packed I’m ready to go…and everyone can’t wait for the next one….

And in some exciting news, our provincial Premier men’s team, the Colts, showed a dramatic improvement over 2018, where they finished in last place in Durban…..the boys displaying improved commitment and tenacity in proudly pulling a bronze medal over their heads this year….so wonderful news for our province in the very competitive Colts league….and for two of a multitude of Benoni Northerns representatives in this team, two of our Members have been selected for the national over 40 Masters side that will be playing next year in Cape Town in the World Cup….some huge congratulations and laurels for Dale Griffiths and Colin Merrifield…..absolutely brilliant guys…. May it be a wonderful and memorable tour for you both….

We had a change of nights for the Joker draw nights to cater for the long weekend….so last Thursday was turned into an “honorary Friday” and meant another party night at the North…and this week we had another “newbie” to take their place at the Joker cabinet….as Gary Brown had his name up in lights and didn’t ponder for too long in front of the card display….before indicating his choice in the top right corner….and to the joyous scream of the crowd….the Ace of Spades was revealed….with Gary’s luck drained we have another roll over and now with the Jackpot up to R69389…..ready and waiting for you this week….please come along on Friday when we have another chance at finding our next big winner….R5 is all it takes for you take part….but the more tickets you take the greater your chance of being selected…..

Last week we had the Zimmer Twinz back….and although it was a smaller crowd than usual with all the Masters hockey players away on tour…it was still a great evening of entertainment…..and especially as there wasn’t any wind blowing….both Uku and Peter were able to maintain their stance and keep the wolves at bay…..well done guys…..this week we welcome back two old friends as Coyote make their appearance again at the North…Billy and Martin were some of the first musicians to appear at the North….so come along to see why they have been so popular over the years….

After having some amazing weather for the last little while…..wasn’t it just going to be Murphy’s law that the weather would turn nasty on Saturday for our Junior Rugby day…..a cold windy and overcast day dawned…..and proved to be a massive dampener on the day….everyone stayed in their cars watching the action….and despite there being some amazing rugby played….the crowds that were expected did not materialise…. a huge pity for the organisers as they had put in significant efforts to make the day a success… I do however have it on very good authority that Lourens and his committee of volunteers did still try to consume the entire stock of brandy that was meant to refresh 2000 visitors….and only manfully gave up the cause as lost eventually….late into the night…..but as a fillip….Valke have granted our Club the Girls 7’s festival this weekend to be run over Saturday and Sunday…..so there should be a festival of sport on the rugby fields (or cricket B field for those not in the know) please go along there to witness the strength of our local schools and club strength…..should be a festival of rugby to remember….and Lourens can try to complete his personal crusade to deplete the brandy stock…..

This Sunday we will also see a festival of Baseball, with games on all day at our grounds…..please pop down to join in and watch this feast of sport…..

Our Soccer boys will be travelling to Randburg after a short break…..we hope that they will utilise the rest period allowed, to come home with all the points as we start to reach the climax of the season….good luck chaps….

Hockey will return this weekend at the Astro with ladies playing on Saturday afternoon and the guys making their appearance on Sunday as usual….

I am afraid that is all from me for this week….I hope you all enjoyed the weekend off…and are all back in the swing of things with a 5 day week…..I am sure that hockey players could have done with a three day week to rest their weary bones….but no rest for the wicked….so noses to the grindstone and shoulders to the wheel….

Have a super week everyone…..if there is anything specific you would me to pay attention to…please do not hesitate to email me on rod.scheepers@gmail.com

Cheers….see you all soon…Rod

Benoni! Are you ready for a BIG Day Out!
We have invited *Mango Groove* to join us in a celebration of all things East Rand! Bring your friends, bring your family and let’s make it a day to remember! There will be delightful drinks, awesome food and fantastic entertainment all day long! Kids under 14 are FREE, accompanied by an adult. No entry to 15-17 years olds: Alcohol will be served at this event and unfortunately the organisers cannot risk under age drinking at the event.
Benoni Beer & Gin Fest sold OUT so get your tickets early!
Online Tickets:
https://www.howler.co.za/bigdayout
– Limited early bird tickets available at R120 a ticket (plus R6 booking fee).
– Normal entry: R140 (plus R6 booking fee).
– At the door: R160

Gary Brown (Social) drew the Ace of Spades – Joker Draw a turnover at R69 389.00 for Friday 16th August. Be present to win!!

At “The North” FRIDAY 16TH AUGUST : The Beer Garden and Scimitar Bar are open from 12h00 serving Pub Lunches and delicious Pizza.

Meet the u18 South African Baseball Team traveling to South Korea for the World Cup at the end of August. Each and every player is exceptionally talented and will undoubtedly make us and South Africa proud

Indians Baseball club will be hosting some great baseball this weekend.

 

Major A Chippewa vs Giants starts at 13h00, this game will be played on the Main Diamond at 13h00
2 top teams against each other.
Definitely not to be missed.

CNN will be at the fields interviewing our very own Rowan Ebersohn, he, along side other players from around the country will be playing in the Olympic Qualifiers in Italy
CNN will be following the SA team in Italy covering the games.

Major B Wichita vs Sioux, home club derby.
2 of the top sides in the league play off to determine league winners.
First pitch starts at 09h30 on the Main Diamond.

Major B, visitors Midgets vs Mets play at 13h00 on B Diamond

Our Senior Reserves team, Mochicans are in the Round Robin play off for the cup.
They play Titans at 10h00 on the B Diamond.

The SA18 team will too be showing what they all about as they step up to the plate against Mets.
Game starts at 10:00 on the F Diamond.

Baseball Sunday 18 August, is the day to come support our local teams.

Great Food and Refreshments will be on sale.