The Scimitar 12 Dec 2019

A bright and sunshine good day to you all….

After a solid week of overcast and rainy weather…and at times it was decidedly chilly ….it was an absolute pleasure to awake this morning to misty skies with the prospect of a bright sunny day today….and today a little earlier than is usually the case, by 8’o’clock we were greeted by the fiery ball in the sky that I am sure is the life blood of most Saffas….I for one, would battle to live in places that do not see the sun too often….I think a little piece of me dies every consecutive day that I wake up without my beloved sun….but the rain was urgently required and has definitely has made everything grow a little quicker…..and everything is now beautiful and green….that said…today I heard all the lawn mowers, bush wackers and edge trimmers busy with their sounds of summer….trying to remove or contain the healthy growth that has arrived…it definitely looks like summer rains and the natural growth that follows, have arrived in force….

With little or no sport played over the last there is nothing to report….but Richards Run through the great “pop up” pubs on the fairways, rough and greens of the Country will still go ahead….all the best to those who are entering…may it be a memorable and super event….

Last Friday our entertainment were old favourites….as the Zimmer Twinz and their guest singer Eileen, really raised the bar, which was thoroughly enjoyed by our Friday night faithful…as new songs and melodies filled the air…well done on a super evening….this week we have Omega gracing the North with the final appearance for the year….so please be sure to include your dancing shoes when you come to the North….as we welcome the long weekend in style….

Another Friday has passed without the Joker being found….Vince Marvel having the good fortune of being drawn for a second time in this the eighth draw…..and with the holidays on our doorstep…he was hoping this his Christmas presents wallet would be filled with a cash from the Joker draw….but as the 30^th card was turned over…..to his disappointment, the king of Spades made his appearance…amidst a  roar of approval from the ecstatic crowd….that also means that with one less card available ,  the Jackpot increases…and creeps ever closer to the R110k level….settling after the draw this week at R109029…and as we approach  the final Joker draw of 2019….make sure that you are here to try your luck….to fill your Christmas stocking….or to assist on the long month of January that always follows a wonderful festive season…..and for only R5, you could have over R100 thousand rand in your  account early next week….come and join us as we see in the holidays in true Northerns style….with a great band….ice cold beer and drinks….wonderful pizza and other culinary delights…and of course share company with some our legendary Members….. I hope to see you all there….

Our renovations are nearing completion and should be ready for business from the first week in January….the stacker door for the new committee room went in early this week…this is one room that has been sorely missed over the last six weeks….and will be put to extensive use when it is ready…. another addition that you will notice toward the end of the week is a Jungle Gym for our youngsters to keep busy and play while Mom and Dad whet their whistles in the Beer garden….we will monitor the success of this area and place additional items here in the future as need arises….we believe that this has been lacking for a while and are really happy that it has finally become a reality….

As this is my last message to you of 2019….I wish each and every one of you a Christmas and festive season that is filled with joy and happiness….and may the new year be your most prosperous ever….

This year for the first time in many years I will be spending Christmas far away from home, with my daughter and new grandson whim I cannot wait to meet….for all our Members and readers that are going to be away from home….may you have safe travels to and from your special destination….and may the weather be exactly what you are wishing for…

To any others that are staying…please remember that the Scimitar and beer garden will be open almost every day until January 6, when we officially reopen… the three days that we are closed are 25^th and 26^th of December and New Years Day 1^st of January…we will be open for all other days….with operating hours being 10h00 to 20h00 daily….

Don’t forget to let me know by email if you have anything you would like to bring to my attention….please send it to rod.scheepers@gmail.com…

To everyone…Cheers and Merry, merry Christmas

Rod

The Scimitar 5 Dec 2019

A very good morning to you all….

As we approach the “happy” time of the year for most….kids are ecstatic that school has broken up…and now they can frolic in the pool or laze in the lounge….parents are waiting for the day that their break also begins…whether they are travelling or staying home…the expectation of “time off” is always a catalyst to get the adrenalin pumping….I really enjoy this time of the year….while some people are frantically trying to get everything done before the deadline day…. others are coasting their way through to the allotted time….whichever category you fall into, I hope that your December is one of the joyous and merry times that it is meant to be…..

With most of our year behind us, we only really have the final games of the year left for the tennis, baseball and cricket sections…and with the last few days approaching of Athletics “10 in 10” (where these mad people complete 10 kilometre runs for 10 days in a row)…I heard from one of the contestants that it has been really difficult to motivate after the first day or two….so there could be some serious drinking penalties for those who have written in and not completed the tasks at hand….

BNAC’s Junior Section receiving sponsorship from Nike- South Africa. Thank you Nike for your support in our Development in the running of Track, Field and Cross Country Codes.

The final thrust for the year on the Athletics front is Richards Pub run….which has changed a little over the years….but has now settled itself at the Benoni Country Club…with all competitors running inside the grounds of the golf course and are not subjected to the madness on our roads….last year this was a lovely event….so please join the runners/walkers on Wednesday 11th….from 17h30……..I may just have to dust off my “takkies” and see if I can pace myself through this event….I may have to start a little earlier than everyone to ensure that I finish on time…..so hopefully I will see you there….it will be a blast..

I was able to join the social section at their annual fund raiser…the golf day with a difference at the Police Mashee Course near the North…. Always a fun day with an American Scramble as the format of play…..it allows players like me to be able to participate and feel as though they are contributing (even though it was probably only a few putts)…and there was plenty of laughter and camaraderie on the course…not just in our four-ball….but I heard the laughter resounding around each of the sets of players that we passed along the way…….and despite playing for the best part of 5 hours on the day….I can’t remember who the winners were…personally I think we were all winners to have braved getting up at the crack of dawn to “jaag” a little white ball around the course brandishing a bag full of steel weapons with an odd shapes ….but I am certain that everyone had a great day as I did…..well done to Mark and his team on another wonderful and successful golf day….

I am pleased to announce that our cricketers were able to break their losing streak on Sunday, coming home with a four wicket win in the local derby against Actonville Spurs (on a traditionally difficulty “Lords” track)…..and with Kurt winning the toss…he decided not to listen to WG and asked the opposition to bat…..but having Lance in top form, our opposition were in immediate trouble at 19/3….a position from which they were never able to fully recover…and lost wickets regularly to post a total of 136 after 41 overs….with our very fragile history on chasing in the last few weeks, it would be an uphill task….and we didn’t set the world alight in the run chase….with our top score coming from our number 7 Leonard who notched up a brisk 32 off only 24 balls….to get us passed the target for the loss of 6 wickets….I am sure that everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief to be able to come back to the club with a win under their belts….And with a bit of a break in the fixtures now….it means that all the players can have a breather and get adjusted and ready for the 2^nd half of the season in the new year…..

At the start to our weekend….we had Black and Blue as our entertainment…..and as always their performance was impeccable….some fantastic covers had the crowd baying for more as the evening ended too quickly…this week we welcome back some of our old campaigners…the Zimmer Twinz, who now appear to have become a Twio, as Eileen makes more appearances as a permanent rather than a guest…this welcome addition has allowed a greater range of music played….please come along and enjoy the evening with us…

Our Joker draw was given a further week without the Joker as Richard MacKinnen had his first chance at doing the selection….and despite the beginners luck of being chosen out of the beeeg black box…..he was only able to choose the nine of Clubs from the face down cards…..another week of reprieve for those wishing it was their chance at finding the Joker…. with the Jackpot jumping up a little more this week we can expect more people coming to try their luck as we have R105645 up for grabs….please be here before 19h15 on Friday to buy your tickets and then stay for the 19h30 draw as we seek our another person to try their luck at finding the elusive joker….

The wonderful rain has brought a little welcome relief from the oppressive heat that we were experiencing for the last few weeks… that does not auger well for our sports people over this weekend…let us be hopeful that the weather breaks in order to allow everyone to play their game…..   

We have had a fairly busy time over the past few weeks…and that has allowed the building contractors some time to get stuck into the renovations…which are now coming along very nicely and I cannot believe how large the Ladies bar appears already…this is going to make a fantastic change to this area….it is no longer going to be a bar of two areas….and I think in winter that this could possibly be the bar of choice, with the welcome fire now having access all around it…I am really looking forward to the finished product…I can’t wait….in addition the committee room and storage areas are also nearing completion….I know that my staff are really happy about the improved access and capacity of the store rooms…and I know that there will be plenty of interest and bookings for the new and upgraded committee room that is starting to look really awesome…..

Please remember to let me know by email if you have any good or bad news to bring to my attention….please send it to rod.scheepers@gmail.com…

Have a super weekend Rod

The Scimitar 28 Nov 2019

Good day to you all from a hot and humid North

The ToyRun has come and gone….and another amazing day of fun and fellowship was definitely enjoyed by all….and as with all huge events….the day had its own fair share of surprises and hiccoughs….but all of these were dealt with in the normal professional manner by the people in charge…I saw piles of smiles amongst our Members who manfully (and womanfully) stuck to their task at hand of serving refreshments to thousands upon thousands of bikers, their families, friends and all the spectators that had just come along to experience the feel and spirit of the day…..one of the highlights for me as always was the mass ride past….which carries on for the best part of an hour….with some bikes purring past….others being wound up to the limit of their capabilities….in a cacophony of sound…buzzing, whirring, growling, screaming and whining were some of the sounds that I experienced…. bikes of all shapes and sizes..(with their owners which could be described in a similar fashion) arriving from all the corners of Gauteng (and some from further afield as I met friends and people  from Mpumulanga and the Free State too) who said that they could not wait to join this epic journey…..at the end of the day it is all about the collection of toys for those less fortunate than ourselves…one committed young lady personally brought over a thousand toys in a phenomenal selfless act….and I witnessed mountains of toys being collected and it was such a heart warming and satisfying day….another of those that I was able to experience with new friends and colleagues…..my gracious thanks to the unsung heroes of the day…to Peter Beart and all the organisers from the ToyRun…..well done on another stupendous day….to our President, Doctor Craig Wittstock….who amazed me with the ease that he works tirelessly and everyone is always met with a smile and positive attitude…to my staff team, without whom I would be seriously hamstrung…thank you Shepherd and your team, you are really our Club’s greatest undervalued asset….to the Members who gave up their Sunday to be Bar people….a massive thank you (but I am sure that everyone of you enjoyed your day thoroughly)……to the artists and exhibitors for keeping all the crowds busy being entertained, amused and fed during the day…..my final thanks to Glenda….who counted and rechecked every single note and coin that was collected on the day…and was still able to (like Craig) keep smiling all day….another ToyRun is over…but I can’t wait for the next one….see you next year…..

 Cricket was our only major sport played at the North on Sunday….and I think they should have rather come along to the ToyRun…..in a dreadfully disappointing display they lost to United in a low scoring match, that I feel that we threw away rather than United winning…..I will quickly sum up the lowlights of the day…..after winning the toss and inserting United to bat we had them reeling on 65/6 before allowing their number 8 smash 85 off 82 (being dropped three times, the first time while he only had 5) which resulted in United scoring 166….which should really have been a doddle for us to chase…and with Vaughan and Riaan going along merrily on at 86/1, we appeared to be well on track…..before the wheels fell off completely and we limped out way to 160 all out…I will leave it at that…I have heard opinions from a myriad of different people…. but suffice it to say that coach Nic was livid at the poor display on the day where it was easier to win than to lose…this week the boys need to dust themselves off and cross the N12 to the other side of Benoni to face Spurs at Actonville…..which is always a most difficult opposition on their home turf….so good luck to the boys….we know it will be a tough day to come home with the spoils….but I have full confidence that we have the talent and attitude to overcome this little crisis that we have created….

Our Friday night had a new group to entertain us as Plus 2 arrived with a bang…and proved to be very popular with the patrons in the Scimitar…as they laughed, sang and danced the night away…this week we welcome back another fantastic group as Black and Blue are back…..we have only had compliments about this super bunch as they play covers from the 70’s and 80’s up to the present….their vocalist has an amazing voice and she is backed up by a crew of extremely talented musicians…. hopefully I will see you all there to experience the vibe….

Friday nights Joker draw had another “newbie” in front of the cabinet as Clint Strydom had his name extracted from the beeeeg black box…..and tall Tim had to stoop through a few doorways as he was drinking in the Scimitar bar this week…. he smiled for the camera and then set his sights on the as he made his choice…and waited for Glenda to show us what card has been hiding for the last 27 weeks….and to Clint’s disappointment…it was not the Joker….but the eight of spades…..with his misfortune, Clint has allowed the “pot” to increase to R102915 for this week….so be sure to come along to try your luck this Friday….for only a R5 ticket you could be making your choice at the joker cabinet….

The renovations are well underway…and I must say that I am getting very excited…as the “dividing” wall in the ladies bar has disappeared…it has already transformed the space and the area looks twice as big as it was before…..I must say that I was a little nostalgic…as the last window that was left in the main bar was removed…I still remember those windows from the original Clubhouse….and to see it disappear was a sad but happy occasion all at the same time….to think of all the memories that window could have shared is a little thought provoking (and may remind us of names like Goose, Doc, Jigger, Skin, Bringee, Joao, Gatoo, Spyker and Shambok to name a few)….but progress is inevitable, a fond farewell to the old window…and the new bar is going to add massive value to the Club and its Members….a little sneak peek at the proposed committee room also shows the commitment of the Club to the quiet sanctuary necessary to conduct the important tasks of deciding the future of our Club by the various elected committees…..we will also be turning our attention to the Hall in the New year as we want upgrade this area to be an inviting and exciting place to host functions and events….watch this space for more details…  

Have a super week….I hope to see you all soon to enjoy a beer together….

Take care…Rod

Come and join in with BNAC’s very own Richard’s Annual Pub Run at Benoni Country Club – Tuesday 10th December at 17h45. We look forward to seeing you on the course

BNFC u-13s win league
The team took the league title with an impressive 60 points, only dropping six points during their time competing.
Left, back: Munashe Mukandi, Philile Myemane, Ndumiso Skhosana, Cebo Yekelo, Joshua Tabane, Chris Mhlanga and Siphesihle Bambisa. Left, front: Anesu Nkabinde, Jaymee Jones, Jethrow van Heerden, team manager Earle Jones, Ofentse Motshoari, coach Joseph Lukele, Lucky Nkosi, Thandolwethu Ncobo and Uviwe Sukazi.

Benoni Northerns advance to the Gold Cup
This is a massive achievement for Benoni Northerns Rugby as they have never been selected to take part before. The players are excited (and tired) after their third training session in preparation for next year.

 

The Scimitar 14 Nov 2019

Morning from a wonderfully wet and green Benoni Northerns….

Some most welcome rain has fallen over the last few days, giving a new look and feel to our surroundings…..all the plants that we have been diligently watering over the last three or so months….now look like completely different plants complete….it is amazing how the plants react to natures blessing, rain, which is of course filled with nitrates and nutrients….and suddenly there are new leaves…..shoots that have suddenly appeared..and of course the dreaded weeds have also already raised their heads…..I have a patch of ground that has been earmarked for a veggie patch…but now looks like a sown flower bed….which of course I know have been none of my doing….so the weekend has a new task entered on my “TO DO LIST” and weeding the veggie patch has been added…

In the interim, the William Webb Ellis trophy has done its rounds throughout South Africa with some of the selfish residents of some areas demanding more preferential treatment than others….while some were entertained to Faf’s extraordinary “speedo”…I honestly think that Faf is the new “super hero” of the Boks….and it really has very little to do with his playing prowess….but more to do with his multi colored costume rather that has caused quite a furore….. I think the pics that summed up the euphoria of the World Cup for me were two….and both of Faf……one shaking Prince Harry’s hand….the the other supping form the Golden Chalice…… and him wearing the South African flag cozzie…that I am sure will now be in massive demand….as girl friends, wives and partners clamor in a frenzy to emulate our superb little blonde fox terrier…..the hubbub around the World Cup has slowed down a little…but most conversations still include a smattering of RWC mentions and smiles…. I was viewing the CCTV footage of the Club on the RWC final day….and what a heart warming vision it was, to watch the crowd watching the final in the final 15 minutes as the Boks scored their two tries….I think it will make for some classic memories in the years to come…..

The cricket boys had a busy weekend…with the playoffs for the T20 competition being held on Saturday….but we did not have our best of days as we went to down to the eventual winners Kempton Park in the morning semi final….so it was left to the boys to redeem themselves on Sunday in their Premier League match against Tembisa….and with quite a bit of rain around on Saturday…..the overhead and now damp underfoot conditions were going to be difficult….and it was back to winning ways as Kurt conveniently lost the toss and we were inserted to bat….and scoring at around 5 to the over landed up with 244/9 in our allotted overs….our star performer came in at number 7….Kundai Matigimu scored 60 at almost 100% strike rate, his knock being off 66 balls…there were some contributions by half our batters…..one in the 40’s, two in the 30’s and a couple of others that got into double figures but were unable to kick on and make it into a sizeable contribution….Tembisa started off pretty well….with one of their openers scoring 75……and reached 106/2….but then quickly lost their way….as Lance 4/29 and Leonard 3/22 maintained the pressure…..eventually squeezing the opposition out for 165 in the 43^rd over…..this week we meet a difficult opposition Alberton, at home….this should be a cracker of a match…so please come down to watch this clash….it should be a very tense day……

Saturday was the showcase of Benoni Northern’s talent…as we hosted the Sports Person of the Year (SPOTY) dinner….where special Members are rewarded with prestigious awards and where all our top achievers in the sub sections vie for the accolade as being selected as Benoni Northern’s top achiever and be presented with the coveted SPOTY trophy…first one up was Shawn Schwartz, who was awarded life Membership to the Club in recognition of his contributions more specifically to the baseball section…

next was Mark Hardman who was named a Clubman of the Year….and despite the calls from the gallery that it was for maintaining Northern’s bars healthy “liquidity”…his award was actually in recognition of the massive contribution to the Club that Mark has made over the last 44 years that he has been a Member, in varying roles and responsibilities that he was sometimes elected into, sometimes volunteered….and many times accepted, as no-one else would put up their hand to get the job done …

and then back to the sporting contest on the night….competition as always was extremely fierce in both the Junior and senior categories…and this year was no exception…..

and from a very talented bunch of talented sports people the following emerged as the winners….in the junior category, Nicholas de Ascensao, who hails from a baseball background..and has represented Gauteng and South Africa in the U15 age group….the highlight whilst playing for SA, was to participate in his age group World Cup in Panama….

in the senior category, the honors went to Jasper (Jazz) van Rensburg….who has excelled at 10km, duathlon and triathlon disciplines….and it is in the duathlon SA champs that Jazz really made his name known, as he swept to win not only the SA title but also the African Championship…..

we are truly honored to have them as Northern’s Members and these two gentlemen are worthy winners of our prestigious title of Sports Person of the Year title…..well done to all the winners on the night….and of course to Glenda for the tireless effort she always puts in to make this evening the resounding success that it always is….

With our Fridays now starting to heat up in the search for the Jester, we had another newbie out the beeeeeg black box as Naomi Wagenaar had her ticket drawn, and after a quick glimpse, she made her selection in the middle of the top row….. She definitely held her breath as Glenda took her time in flipping over the card…..to show us all the Jack of Diamonds!! And with that we are at the half way stage….we have 26 cards face up and 27 face down…..whilst after this week those numbers will swap around….Half way means that more interest is being shown as the numbers start to climb….and we are just short of a magical six figure Jackpot……the value available this week for a winner this is R97740….so wear your lucky shoes and pants and pop in to see if you can be our next big winner….

Last week we had the wonderful sounds of Eben to sit and enjoy…this week…Ryno will be back to blast his way back into the club…please join us as Alan sings and dances when Lighting Crashes….should be another epic evening at the North…..

That is all from me for this week….and I leave you with one request…..I have seen that more and more dogs are being brought onto the premises….could I please request that all Members please do NOT bring their pets to the Club…..it is prohibited by the Ekurhuleni bye-laws and in addition we have feral cats that are resident at the Club…and could result in the animals getting Parvo Virus, which is really nasty for any dog to survive….one final time….you would not take your animals to the Wanderers or Ellis Park….please leave your animals at home….thank you..

Have a great week … Rod

The Scimitar 7 Nov 2019

A World Championship good morning to you all…..

I think the subject and thoughts that have been on the lips and minds of most South Africans since early last week, which was compounded and reached a crescendo on Saturday afternoon with ecstatic joy, as Cheslin Colbe waltzed his way past a bewildered captain Owen Farrell and 4 of his tiring team mates, sealing the fate of the English to be the also-rans against the Boks for the second time in a final…. was the Rugby World Cup final and all the possible outcomes….for all South Africans it was an optimistic (at best) chance of winning….after the demolition of the AB’s by the English, it seemed that it was going to be one way traffic, as the Boks had done nothing spectacular in the tournament thus far, or out of the ordinary to make the punters give the Boks anything but an outside chance of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for a third time….but most of those people forgot about some of SA’s x-factors, the 12 year rule, the winners of the Southern Hemisphere Rugby Championship (tri-nations), the Free State being Currie Cup Champions for the year and the shrewd tactical genius of Rassie….

However, since the completion of the final, the subject has been expanded on, and is almost on the lips of everybody, whether they were rugby supporters or not, of the magnificent day in our history, not just sporting history, but to me a red letter day in the history of the rainbow nation….as a sport once again unites and unifies all South Africans into a positive mind set and mood…..we have had the theories, opinions and conversations of excited….no jubilant….Springbok supporters….there is no holding back of the vibrant feeling existing right at the moment…..I am sure that there are enough varying points of view, that we have all heard….but suffice it for me to say, that I was most impressed with our scrum and the scrummaging techniques that were employed and put the English completely on the back foot for most of the match….I was in our Hall with the big screen and the sound system “booming out” the National Anthems….and with the amount of “gees” that was displayed at this point was absolutely hair raising….goose flesh stuff…..and I immediately felt a rising of hope as we all belted out the Anthem at the top of our voices….standing proudly, with our hands on our hearts…as if it was us going into battle for the next 80 minutes ourselves…..and within only 2 and a half minutes of the start, that feeling started to gain root, the English were starting to look at each other with that “mayor of Hiroshima” look on their faces…..and it didn’t really get any better…the Springboks ground the English scrum into the ground….our fly-half kept on slotting the penalties that were being created from the destroyed opposition scrum….and with this superiority, the English roses, began to wilt….petal by petal…until the final 15 minutes when the Boks ran in their first ever tries in a World Cup final….and it was possibly fitting that they were run in by the vastly improved left wing Makazole Mapimmpi, who combined well with our outside centre, Lukhanyo Am, to produce a thrilling try in the left corner that had all of the supporters jumping with absolute joy….the other came from the most impressive right wing, Cheslin mentioned earlier….and if the scenes at the North were anything to go by….there were high fives and hugs….back slapping and screaming….smiles and sighs simultaneously…it was obvious that copious volumes of alcohol were going to be consumed as the celebrations carried on….and on….and on…..and on……

Will we ever come down from the current euphoric high…..only time will tell….but I as one, certainly hope not….

If anyone wasn’t at the Glow Run last week…you missed out…whilst there were plenty of contenders in the 10 and 15k races….I like to think that the true spirit of this race is shown in the 5k version….I was able to find plenty of smiles and laughter…as people of all shapes and sizes participated….mother and fathers pushing prams, grannies and grandpa’s holding hands as they completed the event, young families and friends shouting with glee as they went along their way….and all the way along there was happy chatting, the exchanging of pleasantries, giggling and an fantastic atmosphere that brings me back year after year…..and I even get a medal for competing in another epic event…well done to the Athletics section on a superb race….I will be back next year, as I am sure a lot of satisfied competitors will be….

In the only Premier League sport played over the weekend, in which one of our representative sides participated….our cricketers were humbled by Bedfordview on Sunday….showing us that they are really serious about playing this year….having  beaten Kempton last week and winning their other two matches, the boys from Bedfordview were on a high when asked to bat after losing the toss…and with a really solid 4^th wicket partnership of 126, they ended up being dismissed in the penultimate over for 243….with Stef taking 3/25 and Leonard 3/45 being our most successful bowlers…the Northerns reply started off well enough with the opening pair adding 46…..but unfortunately our highest score in our reply was Rian’s 32….we were never in the running as wickets fell to regularly and far too cheaply…eventually being dismissed for 191 to record a defeat by 52 runs…..quite a wake-up call for our boys….so we will need to get back to our basics….practice and look at our application if we are wanting to be the champions again this year….this week we take on Tembisa at Willowmoore Park…..with the first ball to be bowled at 10h00….

On Saturday we had the hockey players at the 5’s trying to bench during the matches for the RWC final….and after the final it was a even a little more difficult to get back and play…but Sunday saw a full set of fixtures…with some of the players suffering from Saturday’s over indulgence…but still being there and available for their matches…with more following this week as another full set of fixtures looms…..

This weekend we have our Sports Person of the Year awards….and this has always been a wonderful glittering event….where the achievers from each sub section will be celebrated, to eventually crown the winner at the end of the evening, in both the junior and senior categories….good luck to all the contenders…..

Rugby has started their pre season practices…so if there are any prospective rugger buggers that are ready and willing to join us in our quest to win our way back to being one of the major forces in Valke rugby, please come along on Thursday evenings and assist us in this massive goal….

Our Joker draw had an old campaigner back at the spot in front of the Joker cabinet….as Arthur Jones had his name drawn from the beeeeg black box….and his selection was down in the bottom left corner….one space up and one space right….but to his dismay….when Glenda flipped his choice over it was the seven of hearts….and amidst the groan, Arthur maintained his smile and said…”next time”….so the pot grows to R94938 for this week…as we have another great start to the weekend with entertainment, joker draw, members draw and a raffle that always brings a winner to the Main bar to collect their prize…

Our entertainment, Cedz and Tryst were at their brilliant best and it must be remembered that they will see us as the opening act to the ToyRun in three weeks time….so we will see you then Cedz…

this Friday we welcome back Eben…..he is a spectacularly talented fellow….please pop down to come and witness the wizardry of this musician….

Hope you guys are still celebrating the World Cup win….hopefully I will see you in the pub as we enjoy a tipple or two…

See you soon    Rod

Moetlo Sefoka Junior Member from BNAC competed in the Central Gauteng Athletics Champs held in Ruimsig this past weekend. He obtained a Gold Medal for 1.50m in the High Jump – u11 age group. Well done Moetlo a rising champ in the cards.

The Scimitar 31 Oct 2019

A warm good day to all our readers….

Well well well……my predictions have never been one of the things to be counted on…..but for once I would like to remind everyone of my some comments in my opening salvo to the newsletter of September 17, 2019…..to quote…

“….we do have a few factors that are pointing in our favour this year….one of course, is our own self imposed 12 year rule….we won in 1995….with our next success coming in 2007…..and as we approach 2019, we realise that the 12 year rule is lurking….additionally we have won the Rugby Championship (old Tri-nations) and this augers well….”

And as we approach Saturday, we have the same opponents as we did in 2007…..we were dogged and very workmanlike in our win over Wales in the semi final….definitely not pretty or enterprising rugby….but we were able come out on top of a very nail biting match….I am sure that the whole of South Africa breathed a collective sigh of relief on Sunday when the final whistle blew…..but now we face the might of England, who were most impressive against a shell shocked and shattered AB team….one of the jokes that did the rounds after that particular match….was that the Kiwis lost everything, scrums, mauls, line outs, the loose battles, tackles…….they even lost their own Haka…..I must say it was the poorest New Zealand I have seen in many a year….but to take nothing away from the English who were brilliant on the day…we are in for a cracker of a match….

Please don’t forget that we will be showing both the 3^rd place play off on Friday and the final on Saturday on the big screen (that we are showing in the Hall)….all our drinks specials will be running for the duration of the matches….so brandy, rum, beer quarts and shooters will be at additional discounted rates….and of course if the Springboks are world champions….perhaps the specials may run into some significant overtime…..which I am sure will be well received…..the spirit at the last match at the North was absolutely sensational….so I expect this weekend to be even more compelling and riveting….I will see you there…and as another little bit of titbit and assistance…there will be a jumping castle, water slide and Gladiator inflatable for the younger set to challenge their skills and keep them busy while the Mom’s and Dad’s have their time cut out watching the Boks….

Our cricketers had Sunday off last weekend…but are back in the swing this Sunday as the Premier side lock horns with Bedfordview away….first ball will be bowled at 10am…..

Our hockey 5’s is really proving to be a hit with everyone…..juniors playing on Saturdays… the seniors filling the Sunday slots and landing up in and around the beer garden after their strenuous exercise exploits ….this is really a fast paced and extraordinary game that really has to be watched to really understand its intricacies and complexities…..but it is piles of fun….so if you have some spare time come down to the Astro to watch over the weekend.

This weekend our Baseballers play host to their annual T-ball competition….so expect a throng of players and parents at the baseball club on Saturday….it should be a marvellous day….

Our summer soccer is also in full swing….with our Vets teams actively involved every Wednesday night and the Ladies side playing on Fridays….please keep an eye in the newsletter or our Facebook page for more details of these matches…

Last Friday the Athletics sub section had their annual golf day at the Country Club….and I was one of the fortunate few to be present…..when I came back to Benoni about 10 years ago….a good mate of mine from the past, Bogroll (many will remember this distinctive name) conned, coerced and forced me kicking and screaming to coach cricket at the North (which of course I did with pleasure and really enoyed)….our lot being the coaching a bunch of extremely talented young under 8 cricketers…I won’t bore you with all the details of the individuals involved….but one of them was Bogroll and Jenny’s son, Warwick….I have watched with interest this young man’s progress over the years….and at the golf day, it was my chance to force, con and coerce Warwick to be part of my four-ball….and what a privilege it turned out to be!! I really hope that you fulfil all your promise and talent in the future, Warwick, as you go to the States to further your studies and career…but back to the golf….despite all the talent shown by our playing partners, they were only able to pull Rodney and myself out of the depths of playing the  longest day to not having our names mentioned in this non-prestigious position….congrats to all the winners on the day…and a huge well done to the organisers and players on a fantastic day….there was also a massive function after the golf, where one of our most recognisable members…Michael Velliotes, was going to lose his ginger beard….and with the assistance of some very generous benefactors….around R26000 was raised to see Mike clean shaven again after 5 years in hiding….thank you to Mike and his dad, who was included in the deal at the last minute for their great idea and concept of losing their fuzzy facial hair as a fund-raiser ….a really fun evening was had by all as the excitement welled at the prospect of being the actual person to complete the deed of making the ginger ninja transform back into a joyous and  naughty little pixie….

Our entertainers last week were the ever gold 5 piece band called Omega…..that kept everyone on the dance floor for the night…they are always a popular favourite with the Northerns faithful…this week we welcome Cedz and Tryst back….so get yourselves ready for a great evening of solid rock music from this talented bunch of musicians….

Our Friday night last week was a little less well attended due to the Athletics golf day and the prospect of seeing a clean shaven Vellies again…..but there was still plenty of interest as we move closer to the half way mark….and this week we had another “first timer” at the cabinet, as Stephen Fellows had his name extracted from the beeeg black box…..and seemed fairly confident with his choice being in the top left corner (but one)…and as Glenda revealed the card, his disappointed was evident when he saw that it wasn’t the Joker!…but the King of Diamonds is now in the cabinet…the rest of the crowd were very happy that the Jackpot was still alive, ready and waiting for them next week…..24 cards are now face up…and the ‘pot” has risen to R92229 for this week….please join in with the fun this week…and try your luck at finding the Jester….you could be our next big winner!!

CLUB BAKKIE : SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT

Over the past few years, it has become more apparent that our Club requires a light delivery vehicle to enable the Club to operate more efficiently by completing important tasks in and around our Club. Some examples where this would be utilised are:

1. As the municipality is providing less and less service delivery assistance on our fields and surrounding areas, not to mention the almost non-existent maintenance to the infrastructure in and around the club of buildings, roads and parking maintenance, requires that more of this responsibility falls into the lap of the Club.
2. The municipal refuse removal, once provided as part of the all in service, and has been totally withdrawn, leaving the club with the duty of having to make plans to remove waste, rubble and garden refuse, from our Club.
3. Our major suppliers face their own logistical nightmares of providing the full supply and delivery system of the past and have become a little unreliable when it comes to delivering all their products requested timeously. This has resulted in last minute management techniques of having to continuously “beg, steal or borrow” vehicles or LDV’s to drive to places like major distribution hubs, to ensure uninterrupted supply of products to our Members.

With our large infrastructure of Members, we were wondering whether there were any Members, or their contacts, that could assist us in procuring of this LDV for Club usage…. This could take the form of a back to a back advertising agreement (whether it be prominent local signage, weekly adverts in our newsletter or eye catching signage on the side of the vehicle etc), a significant discounts, donations or even a gift.

If you are that person, or if you know of such a person, please contact Rod Scheepers, our Club GM, or send him the details of the contact whom could be of assistance, who will then get the process rolling.

Yours in Sport,  Laurence Brown  – Chairman – Benoni Northern Sports Club

Stephen Fellows (Guest) drew the King of Diamonds. Joker Draw a turnover at R 92 229.00 for Friday 01st November.

Saturday 02nd November @ 11h00 a.m.
For the KIDDIES weekend of (Friday – Sunday) – Waterslide and 8m long Gladiator Circuit available, so will be children friendly . We will see you all !!!

Velly’ nice my mate! Winning bidder Clayton Wiesner and a clean shaven Michael Veliotes. Benoni Northerns Sports Club. This initiative garnered a healthy R26 000.00 for BNAC’s Development Runners.

The Annual Glow Run was once again a tremendous success. Thanks to all that participated in this incredible event. We shall meet again next year

The Scimitar 23 Oct 2019

Good morning to all……

The RWC advances into the next round, amidst a little bit of controversy…..and now the semi’s are upon us….and although pretty predictable, apart from the France / Wales game….which produced some really great rugger….the Saturday matches were pretty one sided….the AB’s and the English winning by significant margins to progress….but that sets up one of most interesting clashes that we will see at this World Cup thus far….. the winner of this match is going to very difficult to beat in the final….but that said…we still have the Boks in the other half of the draw….and although we stuttered through the first half….we eventually ran out easy 26-3 winners….doing something that no-one else has been able to do in this world cup, in beating the Japanese….the Irish, who were on the crest of the world rankings at the start of the World Cup….were unexpectedly humbled in their first showing…and Japan definitely gave us lots of food for thought in the first half, with us being so far behind on the possession stakes….but of course our scrum-half did ensure that our possession was effectively given away, every time that he touched the ball….but in the second half, the power of scrum eventually came through as we scored a magnificent 45 metre rolling maul (another procedure that I have not witnessed before)…which culminated in allowing our diminutive kicking scrum-half in to score himself a try….in the other quarter final in our section…there was only one side in the contest…with the Welsh appearing content to make their plane flight home that night….until some 55^th minute madness by a French lock….who was red-carded for some silly dangerous play…and slowly the tide turned….and as manfully the French played….it was like an inexorable wheel rolling down the hill that the Welsh were going to wear down the French resistance….eventually just doing enough to beat the French 20-18. And an amazing turn around…which no-one could have forecast even a half an hour before the end of the match….

This weekend we will be showing both of the matches live at the North….one on Saturday and the other on Sunday….please do not be late…as last week seats and places was limited fairly early….we will still have the liquor specials that we had last weekend….so beer, brandy and rum will be discounted for the duration of the match…..and for those who love to have a little shooter or two while watching sport….there will be a tequila and Jagermeister special…..buy a tray of 12 of these popular Mexican and German tit-bits for only R170…..a real example of the “more you drink….the more you save” slogan, which was extremely popular in my youth at the North…..so my thanks to Simba Sosatie who used to run around the Club in those days with his party hat….maybe this weekend, he will make his appearance again…..I can but hope…and hope that it augers well for the smooth progression of the Boks in their quest to becoming World Champions once again….

Our Premier cricket side made their first appearance at the North on Sunday, when they hosted Duduza….and with Kurt losing the toss (again!!), we were asked to bat…we scored steadily with almost everyone chipping in, Musa Twala and Leonard Killeen notching up half centuries in the process…. ending up on 297/7 after our 50 overs…..there was a bit of a break in the innings when a local swarm of bees decided to find a home in the water tap box at the edge of the pitch…forcing an early lunch to be taken, as our friend and bee keeper Peter Beart was called on to remove the buzzing visitors for us….and the match continued after lunch without further incident…..the opposition began a very solid chase and only after a half century opening stand did we eventually make any inroads….but after that their wickets fell at fairly regular intervals…to Duduza eventually landing up with 172 after slightly over 40 overs….handing us the win by 125 runs on the day…well done to the lads….a winning start to the season for us, with two out of two….but this weekend we have a bye allocated…so time for everyone to have a restful weekend off to get ready for battle the next weekend…..

This year we had our first season of junior rugby….and despite some trying conditions….these little fellows acquitted themselves admirably….we had 6 teams competing in the finals for this year….with two of those sides being crowned champions…..our under 8 team and the under 11a (red) side winning their respective finals….a special congratulations to the players and coaches..super stuff….of our other sides that competed on the day the under 9a side lost in the final to collect a silver medal, while the U9b side lost in the semi, but won the play-off for bronze….the other two sides, U10b and U11a (white) ended the season in fourth place…. my congratulations to all these young men and their coaching staff….well done on a great set of results….you have placed the bar very high in our first season at junior level… remember that we will now want you to strive to improve on this next year….also a hearty congratulations to Jaco and his team on a super season….well done….

Our Friday night search for our Jester continued…as we had another “first-timer” in front of the cabinet….Ethan had his name drawn….and to some jubilant cries of encouragement from his mates….he looked to the bottom right of the board for his selection….and once it was revealed, it showed us the six of clubs…..we are really getting to an interesting time of the draw……as we are now 23 cards into this particular draw…almost halfway….and we are currently at a Jackpot of R90237……starting to become a sizeable value to put into your pocket for a R5 investment…..and we have the ever popular 5 piece band Omega to get your month end weekend off to a mellow and relaxed start…

Last weekend our entertainment were the duo of Richard and Nakita….who also proved that they know really how to get the party going….keeping everyone singing and dancing in the patio under the tent into the wee hours…..thanks to them…I saw a few Members with pounding heads the next day…..but with a massive grin on their faces like the cat that has just had the cream….saying it was a helluva night….when are they coming back again….and be sure that we will them back soon and we will give everyone enough notice….

Please do not forget our Rowlin Glow Run on next Wednesday….this is always a most festive event….and one of those must attend festive occasions….so please be sure to get you running gear on….and find all your glow sticks, luminous clothing and crazy costumes and wigs….as everyone jumps in and enters into the festive feeling created on the night….to make their way around the course….and onto the finishing line for their own medal….to be proudly displayed…..

That is it for this week….hopefully I will get to see you for the RWC matches…or on Friday at draw time….or maybe just at the Glow Run next Wednesday…have a great week otherwise….take care

Regards Rod

CLUB BAKKIE : SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT

Over the past few years, it has become more apparent that our Club requires a light delivery vehicle to enable the Club to operate more efficiently by completing important tasks in and around our Club. Some examples where this would be utilised are:

1. As the municipality is providing less and less service delivery assistance on our fields and surrounding areas, not to mention the almost non-existent maintenance to the infrastructure in and around the club of buildings, roads and parking maintenance, requires that more of this responsibility falls into the lap of the Club.
2. The municipal refuse removal, once provided as part of the all in service, and has been totally withdrawn, leaving the club with the duty of having to make plans to remove waste, rubble and garden refuse, from our Club.
3. Our major suppliers face their own logistical nightmares of providing the full supply and delivery system of the past and have become a little unreliable when it comes to delivering all their products requested timeously. This has resulted in last minute management techniques of having to continuously “beg, steal or borrow” vehicles or LDV’s to drive to places like major distribution hubs, to ensure uninterrupted supply of products to our Members.

With our large infrastructure of Members, we were wondering whether there were any Members, or their contacts, that could assist us in procuring of this LDV for Club usage…. This could take the form of a back to a back advertising agreement (whether it be prominent local signage, weekly adverts in our newsletter or eye catching signage on the side of the vehicle etc), a significant discounts, donations or even a gift.

If you are that person, or if you know of such a person, please contact Rod Scheepers, our Club GM, or send him the details of the contact whom could be of assistance, who will then get the process rolling.

Yours in Sport,  Laurence Brown  – Chairman – Benoni Northern Sports Club

Ethan ( Football ) drew the Six of Spades. Joker Draw a turnover at
R90 237.00 for Friday 25th October. Be present to win!!

“At The North” – R.W.C Specials – Duration of the Games:
All Beer Quarts – R 25.00 each
1 x Dble Brandy/Rum & Coke – R 30.00
2 x Dble Brandy/Rum & Coke – R 50.00
1 x Tray (12) Tequila/Jagermeister – R 170.00

Reminder – Online Entries are open
https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=6077

Please bring along the whole family for our fun filled event

Our Bridge Section will be entering a Team namely Bridie Bullen-Smith, Paul van der Wal, Bill Willis and Clyde Mallinson representing Benoni Northerns in the upcoming Nationals. This team recently won the Gauteng Clubs Team 4 Tournament. We wish you all the best of luck

Awesome 10 wicket win by Benoni Northerns Women’s Cricket against a very much developing Wattville cricket Team. Well Done Ladies! Madison Landsman taking 4 wickets for 0 runs!!! And a quickfire 24 off 9 to finish the game!

Week 2 saw a host of exciting tennis matches at Benoni Northerns – including the Premier Division match between Levey & Masakane!

The Scimitar 17 Oct 2019

A special and warm good day to everyone….

So as the RWC 2019 enters the business section of the competition….and we have some interesting developments…..the first Asian side to ever compete in a RWC as Japan qualify for the knock outs….and that as the winner of their pool section….which means that the Boks and the Japs will renew their rivalry at World Cup level, four years after that fateful meeting where we lost 32-34 to them in 2015…Sunday will be our crunch day, where one of those two sides will proceed to the semis to meet the winners of the France / Wales clash…. and the other quarters see some epic clashes too…..as the AB’s unexpectedly play the Irish and the English meet the Aussies in a clash that I am sure will renew a few passionate battles….definitely a mouth watering set of games await us this weekend….I won’t even  be bothering to enter a set of predictions….so as not place a curse on any of the sides….I will enter a set of predictions in the safe for Glenda to open after the weekend to see how far out I could possibly be…..

Please don’t forget that we will be showing all the RWC quarter finals live and that we are expanding the liquor specials for the quarters….please keep an eye on our social media platforms…..they will be advertised there….and for the beer drinkers….I will be making sure that you are catered for as well…..

Our weekend started in the quest for our hidden Jester in the cabinet….and this week the lucky name out the beeeeg black box was our caterer, Marge Mellis!!…after the formalities were completed of a happy snap for posterity, she made her selection…directly at her eye level….and after indicating three rows up on the extreme left….Glenda flipped the card over to reflect the six of spades….another rollover week…which means that our Jackpot in search of our Jester has risen to R87939…. definitely worth popping past the North on Friday to start your weekend in a very relaxed and festive atmosphere…..our musicians this week will be the Richard and Nikita, who proved to be very popular with the crowd in the tent last time….bring your dancing shoes and come along to party your way into the weekend….

Our Cricketers started with their first match of the season and had a very successful return….rolling over Kwa Thema for 100 in just under 30 overs…..and then took just over 15 overs to knock off the necessary total for the loss of a solitary wicket….well done to Kurt and the boys for a solid start to the season in their quest to retain the Premier League trophy….this week they are at home to CBCOB who have always proved to be a tough nut to crack….so good luck boys….first ball to be bowled at 10h00….

It is wonderful to see all our juniors scurrying around the Club in their white attire…. in their quest to become the new Jacques Kallis and Kagiso Rabada of the future.. after our poor showing in the sub-continent, all South Africans are wanting some new talent to appear miraculously on the horizon…as things are looking pretty bleak there….if I were in that side as a top order batter…I would suggest to the management, that the batting order get swapped around…as it appears that things get a little easier once the ball loses its shine and is a bit softer…as our batters at the lower end seem to have outscored the top order in at least three of the four innings’ we have played thus far…..

I have watched with interest that the interest in “T”ball is massive and looks like it is on the increase….I saw the car parks at baseball were filled to capacity on Tuesday afternoon…it is fantastic to see that sport is being so actively promoted by the schools in Ekurhuleni…well done to the organisers and to everyone actively promoting this sport….long may it continue…

Hockey 5’s also started up last weekend…and it looked like everyone had an absolute blast….I saw that the astro was filled and the venue looked extremely busy for the entire weekend…well done Shaun on a great start to the season….if anyone is interested in playing 5’s please contact Shaun Taylor…I am sure that there will always be available spots for all enthusiastic new players….

Please do not forget the Glow Run on Wednesday October 30, it is always a fantastic and festive evening and fun for the whole family…. glow sticks, weird costumes, a myriad of colours, crazy wigs…and the brilliant smiling faces as all the participants compete in their allotted 5, 10 or 15 kilometre races….with a medal and sense of achievement for everybody who completes the race…..make sure to keep the date in your diary for a fantastic evening with us….

Please take care this week…as we are expecting a heat wave over the weekend….everyone must please remember to apply loads of sun screen if you are outside…it looks like we are going to cook for a while….a really good suggestion? Come to the Club and enjoy a frosty or 6 in the cool sanctity of one of our bars and watch the cricket on our fields….or watch the RWC and enjoy the specials….

Hopefully I will see you over weekend….have fun…

Cheers  Rod

 PS….remember that if you have any anything that is bugging you, or you think you have an idea that you think may transform the Club….please don’t forget to send me an email on rod.scheepers@gmail.com containing your concerns or proposals……

CLUB BAKKIE : SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT

Over the past few years, it has become more apparent that our Club requires a light delivery vehicle to enable the Club to operate more efficiently by completing important tasks in and around our Club. Some examples where this would be utilised are:

1. As the municipality is providing less and less service delivery assistance on our fields and surrounding areas, not to mention the almost non-existent maintenance to the infrastructure in and around the club of buildings, roads and parking maintenance, requires that more of this responsibility falls into the lap of the Club.
2. The municipal refuse removal, once provided as part of the all in service, and has been totally withdrawn, leaving the club with the duty of having to make plans to remove waste, rubble and garden refuse, from our Club.
3. Our major suppliers face their own logistical nightmares of providing the full supply and delivery system of the past and have become a little unreliable when it comes to delivering all their products requested timeously. This has resulted in last minute management techniques of having to continuously “beg, steal or borrow” vehicles or LDV’s to drive to places like major distribution hubs, to ensure uninterrupted supply of products to our Members.

With our large infrastructure of Members, we were wondering whether there were any Members, or their contacts, that could assist us in procuring of this LDV for Club usage…. This could take the form of a back to a back advertising agreement (whether it be prominent local signage, weekly adverts in our newsletter or eye catching signage on the side of the vehicle etc), a significant discounts, donations or even a gift.

If you are that person, or if you know of such a person, please contact Rod Scheepers, our Club GM, or send him the details of the contact whom could be of assistance, who will then get the process rolling.

Yours in Sport,  Laurence Brown  – Chairman – Benoni Northern Sports Club

Marge Mellis (Kitchen) drew the Six of Spades. Joker Draw a turnover at R 87 939.00 for Friday 18th October. Be present to win!!

Beer Garden and Scimitar Bar open from 12h00.  Order delicious Pizza or a Pub Lunch while enjoying your cold frosty.

Plus all beer quarts @ R25.00 each duration of the games

BNAC’s Bright achieved 2nd place in the Jacaranda City Challenge Half Marathon in a time of 1h10. Well done we are proud of you!!

Reminder – Online Entries are open
https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=6077

Please bring along the whole family for our fun filled event

Kwa Thema vs Benoni Northerns Premier League Cricket Captains. Kwa Thema 100 all out in 29.5 overs. Benoni Northerns 102 for 1 in 15.4 overs.Very good discipline guy’s thank you and keep it up

Eagles Super 5 Season kicked off yesterday without the junior sides of U13 and U17. There was great skill shown and we look forward to having a great season.

Saturday 12th October Benoni Northerns had 6 teams involved in the finals. For the first year of Junior Rugby at Northerns the boys did great. The u8s won the u9c League after just fighting for a spot just to make the finals. U8s made history winning the 1st cup for Junior Rugby for Northerns and winning the 1st u9c League at the Valke Juniors.
U9a won their Semis but unfortunately losing in the final and gaining Silver. U9b lost their semis but won their game playing for 3rd place and walking away with Bronze.
U11 League had two teams in the finals. The white team lost in the Semis. The Red Team won their League. Winning the finals on the last play of the game. Could have gone any way but the boys showed their worth.
We are so proud of all the boys and all the teams.
Under 8- gold
Under 9b- bronze
Under 9 a- silver
Under 10b- fourth place
Under 11a white- fourth place
Under 11a red- gold

The Scimitar 9 Oct 2019

A summery (and Manny….no not summary…..summery….a new Rod word) and fresh good morning to all….

The weather has been amazing the last little while and I hope that everyone has been able to get out and enjoy it….it is the weather to be exercising or soaking up the sun….or even just enjoying a braai with friends….this is what makes South Africa so amazing…. the wind has lost it “bite” in the last few days and I am loving it….

We are still in the throes of the final world cup play-off matches, with almost everyone left with only a solitary match to decide their fate….And albeit I have said that Japan have been the David of the tournament….it should not be forgotten that these men in fact won the same number of matches in the pools as the Boks and Scotland in their group in the 2015 RWC….and only missed out on points difference….getting a hiding from Scotland to seal their fate at not making the quarter finals….but with Japan are quite comfortable at the top of their table in 2019 RWC…they are just needing to play Scotland in their last pool match to decide whether they head their group or end up second….I believe their fate should be pretty well decided after that….if they win against the Scots, they play the Boks, if they lose…they play the All Blacks….pretty much a double edged sword for them…..but I don’t think the prospect of playing either of those sides actually concerns either the coaching staff or players….they are so used to punching above their fighting weight in any event…..but I really believe that a ranking of number 8 in the world, flatters them slightly…. but that is merely my opinion…. and I will be argued with and kicked in the butt that my predictions were so wrong…..I can honestly say that I have a 100 % prediction record…..my track record speaks for itself….I have been incorrect of every single one of my predictions in the past…..I am pretty confident that my hit record will not improve after the conclusion of this world tournament…..

Our cricketers had a bad few sessions in the first test…..but performed a lot better than I expected….albeit losing by a very large margin, they were in the game up until the end of the 4^th day….when it looked like the Indians imported a new pitch for the first session on the last day…..in which when we lost 7 wickets in that session and decided the fate of the Proteas…..that said….hopefully the young squad has learned something….otherwise I may be tempted to haul my whites and kit out of mothballs and officially announce my availability for selection on the touring squad of supporters….

Sunday was a really busy day at the North with all the local soccer Cup finals being hosted on the main fields in front of the Club house….. there were buckets of excitement and nervous energy available on the day….all the young players thinking they were the George Best’s and Diego Maradonna’s…(Oh hold on…I’m giving away my age)……maybe Messi and Ronaldo’s of the future….there were some moments of brilliance and some of absolute despair….as the fortunes of the day ebbed and flowed….some teams will even claim they were robbed!! Others will say that they received their just reward…..as for the rest? They will claim that they were the better side of the day or that they were beaten by the better side…out of our three sides in the finals…..only our under 9 side lost 3-2 after extra time in their match, despite playing some brilliant football…well done to the coaches Warren and Mark and all the players…. our U6 side were truly awesome and comfortably won 5-0, hearty congratulations to the coaches, Lionel, Ryan, Juan and all their glorious warriors on the super win…. and our last side on the finals were our U13’s…with coach Justin at the helm….and in a tense and nail biting match….we were able to prevail and run out 2-1 winners….I am sure it will be a day in the lives of all these young men that they will not forget in a while….well done to the Easterns LFA for a well organised and enjoyable day….

Our Friday night brought us another First timer night at the Joker draw….as Mike Webb had his name selected at Joker draw time…..and he was really excited at being drawn….but appeared quite calm and composed when confronted with the complexity and size of the Joker cabinet….and after having his winners photo taken….was quietly confident pointing out his selection….one card to the left of centre….but that proved that his luck was as good as the previous 20 candidates….as the nine of spades was flipped….and amidst the roars of approval and sighs of relief from the crowd….everyone realised that the Joker draw was still a possibility for them next week…..the Jackpot swells and climbs to R85857….32 cards left and it is beginning to get interesting…..make every effort to be here this Friday….another exciting night awaits….

Last week we had a Karaoke evening….and everyone present seemed to enjoy themselves….thanks to Shaz for another lovely night….this week we welcome back Coyote….Billy and Martin back at the North to entertain us…welcome back boys….

Our softball and baseball fields were also extremely busy last weekend….hosting a softball tournament and the start of the junior Baseball leagues….lovely to see the fields full and the parking areas overflowing….all the best to Shaun and his crew for a cracking season ahead….

Last weekend also was the official start of cricket…..as both Juniors and Seniors indicated their return to the fields….still one of my favourite sights at Northerns….watching the U8’s in the top field under lights on a Friday…..their excitement and enthusiasm can be felt as you drive into the Club….please keep up that same intensity for your entire career boys….

All from me for this week… have a super weekend…I hear that the possibility for rain is pretty good later in the week….and as much as it may upset the Cricketers….we need the rain….and hopefully doesn’t affect any of the matches over the weekend…

Have a super sporting week….I hope to see you all soon

Regards  Rod

PS….if you have any suggestions or moans….please don’t forget to send an email to me on rod.scheepers@gmail.com about your concerns or proposals……

CLUB BAKKIE : SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT

Over the past few years, it has become more apparent that our Club requires a light delivery vehicle to enable the Club to operate more efficiently by completing important tasks in and around our Club. Some examples where this would be utilised are:

1. As the municipality is providing less and less service delivery assistance on our fields and surrounding areas, not to mention the almost non-existent maintenance to the infrastructure in and around the club of buildings, roads and parking maintenance, requires that more of this responsibility falls into the lap of the Club.
2. The municipal refuse removal, once provided as part of the all in service, and has been totally withdrawn, leaving the club with the duty of having to make plans to remove waste, rubble and garden refuse, from our Club.
3. Our major suppliers face their own logistical nightmares of providing the full supply and delivery system of the past and have become a little unreliable when it comes to delivering all their products requested timeously. This has resulted in last minute management techniques of having to continuously “beg, steal or borrow” vehicles or LDV’s to drive to places like major distribution hubs, to ensure uninterrupted supply of products to our Members.

With our large infrastructure of Members, we were wondering whether there were any Members, or their contacts, that could assist us in procuring of this LDV for Club usage…. This could take the form of a back to a back advertising agreement (whether it be prominent local signage, weekly adverts in our newsletter or eye catching signage on the side of the vehicle etc), a significant discounts, donations or even a gift.

If you are that person, or if you know of such a person, please contact Rod Scheepers, our Club GM, or send him the details of the contact whom could be of assistance, who will then get the process rolling.

Yours in Sport,  Lockey

Laurence Brown

Chairman – Benoni Northern Sports Club

Mike Webb (Guest) drew the Nine of Spades. Joker Draw a turnover at R85 857.00 for Friday 11th October. Be present to win!!

Live Entertainment from 18h30 – Friday 11th October 2019

Reminder – Online Entries are open
https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=6077

Please bring along the whole family for our fun filled event

Congratulations to Mike Serfontein in being awarded the Best Batter – Major A and voted as Senior Baseball Sportsman of the Year 2019.    Well done !! 

Start of the new season with the T20 Tournament.  Benoni Northerns vs Actonville Premier League. Actonville 104 for 9 in 20 overs, Benoni Northerns 107 for 6 in 17 overs. Very good discipline and a pleasant game

There was plenty of dissapointment when the U8 Impala match was cancelled, but true Benoni Northerns style we managed to orrganise a game. It was a good morning out on the cricket field for the boys, giving them the feel of fielding for 20 overs before the season officially starts next week.

The Junior Football Cup Final Tournament was held last Sundayat Northern Areas. Great Day had by all Teams and a fantastic ending to a memorable 2019 Season.

Benoni Northern’s u8 League 1 hosted their Annual friendly against Old Ben’s. An enjoyable game was had by both Teams. Well done boys.

The Scimitar 3 Oct 2019

A warm welcome and good morning to everyone

The Rugby World Cup is proving to be another interesting tournament….South Africa did what was necessary with the “second stringers” to account for our neighbours Namibia…in fairly convincing fashion…57-3…with too many headaches and concerns….and with only one serious injury thus far to our Bok group, we can hopefully keep it that way to keep our best possible team available at all times….but there was one major upset…. in the form of “David” once again doing their “Goliath” trick….this time “Goliath” took the guise of Ireland….and I think that the Boks and their supporters breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn’t us this time….I am not sure if Ireland underestimated their minnow opponents….or were a little complacent….but Japan have proved over the last few years that they are serious about rugby as a sport in their country and culture…..I remember in the ’95 RWC when Japan faced the All Blacks and were humbled to the largest loss ever in RWC history 145-3….so it took 20 years from them losing in that embarrassing manner, to recording arguably the largest upset in RWC history when they defeated the Boks in 2015….and to prove that this was no “fluke” in 2015…they have now shown  that the might of Japan should not be underestimated…..and any this side will do so at their own peril in the future….well done Japan and all the best for the rest of the show piece….you have done a great job at hosting this amazing tournament….you have the vociferous support of your home crowds…and you have definitely stepped up your playing levels….a most encouraging sign for world rugby…the Boks play on Friday at 11h45 against Italy and on Tuesday against Canada at 12h15…..both of these matches will be shown “LIVE” at the North…so please come along to support….all other RWC matches (from 9.30ish in the morning) will be shown live….so please pop along….the bar will be open and we will continue to offer the brandy special for the duration of the matches….keep your eye out for other specials that may occur as we follow our progress through the RWC….

Another of our national sides is also in Asia at the moment….with the Proteas taking on the Indians in their own backyard…. with the cricket test series starting on Wednesday (which may already be in progress by the time you read this message)…I think the new Proteas in the squad are in for a massive surprise….I hope we are able to acquit ourselves well against this quality side in their own territory…..a massive learning curve awaits….we did perform admirably in the T20 series, ending up 1-1…after being fairly comprehensively beaten in the first match…having the second rained out….the third was a complete turn-around, this time India suffering a humiliating defeat….well done to the boys on this excellent result….may we take this positive intent through into the Test series….

Our weekend was a busy affair…with Club Cricket, another festive Friday to start off the weekend, Bok rugby and the RWC, the Apricot Tree Spring Festival…and then of course general weekend Club shenanigans….so let me begin with our Club sport…

Our Senior Soccer has officially ended….with the Vets and Ladies summer league starting under lights from Friday…and the Juniors finish off all their Cup Finals at the North on Sunday…with both senior and junior prize giving coming up…it is almost time to officially honour their achievers and stars of the season….and give them a while to enjoy their R&R…..have a blast guys…

Our senior rugby players are busy with 7’s and 10’s tournaments, while the Juniors are playing in their finals matches of the season…with 5 age group teams making these play offs for our Northerns Juniors…a most satisfying result for our first year at this most competitive level…well done to the Junior Chairman, Jaco and his team of ever ready assistants in keeping the Northerns flag flying high throughout the season…

Our hockey players are taking their well earned rest, with Hockey 5’s starting in Mid October to keep them all out of mischief in the summer break…

The Spring fest…hosted by the Apricot Tree school…was held at the Main baseball diamond and featured super food and art stalls and some fantastic artists….Reborne (who were my favourite) and Nick Rush amongst others….it really was a super day…although not as well supported as I would have liked…with the rest of Benoni “powerless” thanks to the third consecutive Saturday of light cuts….the Rugby was still able to be shown on the big screen on the stage… thanks to the generators that they had the insight of bringing on for the day….the students from the school performed on stage prior to the rugby….and in a heart wrenching performance these young people stole everyone’s hearts as they danced and performed for the audience…..finally bringing the house down with their version of the National Anthem…I don’t think there were too many dry eyes in the arena after this….our grateful thanks to the sterling efforts of the teachers, parents and helpers in assisting these you people in their challenges in life…all in all a great day for the school….hopefully they made some good money in celebration of their 10^th anniversary….

Our Joker draw this week had another “newbie” in front of the cabinet to do the selecting… as Mike Nagel was the fortunate Member to have his name drawn from the beeeeeg black box and his choice went to the left…. one below centre on the left and pulled the Queen of Clubs out of hiding….his misfortune means that the Jackpot grows up to R83502…which will be up for grabs this week….please come and try your luck….at only R5 a ticket….you could be our next big winner….

And after a really super evening of music last week from Blak n Blu…we are going back to our home grown Northerns talent this week….we are having Shaz and his Karaoke set up back at the North….everyone must get their vocal chords oiled and ready ourselves for us to have some real talent to emerge…

Our pizza kitchen has already been open for 2 months…and is consistently producing some fantastic aromas and tastes…I can personally vouch for some really scrumptious pizzas….please come down to the North and try them…..

 That is all from my side of the desk for this week…Take care….Rod

Mike Nagel (Guest) drew the Queen of Clubs – Joker Draw a turnover at R83 502.00 for Friday 04th October. Be present to win!!

The Scimitar 19 Sep 2019

Morning to all our readers……

The Rugby World Cup is upon us….and in a first for the rugby officiado’s, it has been allocated to a lesser known rugby “giant”….and all the participating teams are either already in the land of the rising sun…or are at their training camps to prepare themselves for the showdown that produces a world champion every four years….I can quite distinctly remember four years ago, the North was hosting a hockey reunion to welcome the Astro on our property…..and we took two hours off the frantic matters of hockey playing, catch ups and enjoying a quiet beer or two, to watch our opening match in the 2015 RWC…..and we watched in horror as the Boks were humbled by new little “giants” in world rugby….I remember the disbelief in everyone’s eyes as our heroes fell from the pedestal they had elevated themselves to…to remind us that we are not bigger than the game….and this was surely the biggest upset in World Cup history….admittedly it was a woeful performance by the Boks and may it never, and may I repeat NEVER, be repeated again…..I must be honest that I think that our Boks have come a long way since that fateful day in September 2015….but as we now face our biggest hurdle since the 2015 show piece….we do have a few factors that are pointing in our favour this year….one of course, is our own self imposed 12 year rule….we won in 1995….with our next success coming in 2007…..and as we approach 2019, we realise that the 12 year rule is lurking….additionally we have won the Rugby Championship (old Tri-nations) and this augers well….we have played some pretty good rugger this year and after beating the All Blacks in Kiwi last year….we proved that it was not a flash in the pan…playing out to a draw in the latest encounter…..in a match which appeared to be dogged by some indifferent refereeing decisions…but let me not complain….because somehow the name Bryce Lawrence keeps on cropping up in my mind…..so let me not get onto that subject…this letter may end up being four or five pages of negative drivel…..onwards and upwards…

Could everyone please note that the Club will be open for all the later matches in the 2019 RWC….(we unfortunately will not be open for the “early”  matches around 06h00 SAST) but all the 09h00 and 11h30 matches  will be catered for….we will also be running a special for the duration of the matches…..at R30 for a double brandy and coke…and if you bring a mate R50 for two of these specials….I have to go back to an old saying at the North in the 80’s…..

”at that price, the more you drink….the more you save”….so come along and save plenty for the duration of the games shown at the North, for the entire Rugby World Cup…hopefully we will see you there…..could the staff please take note that this special does NOT apply to neither Brent nor Kelvin!!

We had another roll over on the Joker draw last week, with Dean Johnson having his name drawn for the first time…..and his search and selection found the four of hearts…which results in the jump in the Jackpot to R79146……we are starting to attract a nice gathering of friends on a Friday night at the draw..come along this week to try your luck…..it may be your chance to shine….

Friday night saw the return of Freedom Unfound…and a super evening of foot stomping and hand clapping music was enjoyed by all….Ryno and his boys really put on a good show….well done to all…and thank you for celebrating Ryno’s birthday in style….This week we host the Zimmer Twinz and Eileen, who have also proved to be very popular with our Northerns faithful….so if you haven’t been along before…please come and start your weekend off on the right foot….

Our winter sports are winding down at the moment…and it felt quite empty without our usual fare of footballers on a Saturday….but the hockey prize giving definitely brought some pizzazz to the Club….with dress up….fancy hats….and hordes of over exuberant hockey players, “blink” after having one or two at and after their traditional matches that always precede the ceremony…..congratulations to all the achievers…my thanks to all the wonderful clowns and friends that make the game of hockey so festive for me….I will be back next year….but it looks like I will have to work a little harder next year for some recognition…. snigger snigger….nudge nudge wink wink….say no more!!

With the winter boys taking a back seat now…..the summer fellows were very quick to jump onto the band wagon…..and with the ‘vaal’ colours on the grounds turning with shades of green…the white clothes were immediately on show….and the sweet click of leather on the willow will be the prevalent sound over the next six months….good luck for the season boys…let’s get some rain that we can have the beautiful green fields that accompany the red ball game….

In a final word on the winter sports…I have heard that the Eastern Gauteng Colts soccer side that boast 10 representatives from the North in their ranks had a really good weekend in Florida, where they contested the Final against Cosmo City LFA team and were successful in their efforts…winning the tournament….a super effort from the Easterns Colts who were one of two age related Easterns sides to win the trophy on the day…

The Athletics section will be holding their Annual green number function next Wednesday…to honour the stalwarts who have complete 10 completed Comrades Marathons….and for some really resilient Members, who will be celebrating their “double-green”…which a phenomenal achievement on its own….may all the athletes go and join to acknowledge the tenacity and endurance of these amazing sports people….

With the RWC upon us…..my blood is green….GO BOKKE

Have a super week…hopefully I will see you all at the Rugby over the weekend…..and if at none of the others, definitely at the All Black game on Saturday at around midday…

Keep well Rod

Dean Johnson (Guest) drew the Four of Hearts – Joker Draw a turnover at R79 146.00 for Friday 20th September. Be present to win!!

Beer Garden and Scimitar Bar open from 12h00 serving Pub Lunches and delicious Pizza

Well done to all BNAC Podium finishers at the Significance Run held on 14th September

25th – 28th September @ Northern Areas “A”, “B” and “C” Fields from 08h00 to 17h30 daily

BNHC had a fantastic prize-giving this past Saturday and are so proud to be part of the best Sports Club on the East Rand. Well done to all our winners and here’s to a bigger and better 2020
Full list of winners below:
*Team of the Year: Evolve (trophy donated by Brandon Halkett)
*Spirit Trophy of the Year: Chirpettes
*Sportswoman of the Year: Aimee Dixon-Cronje, Chirpettes (trophy donated by Benoni Hockey Club)
*Sportsman of the Year: Cody Vorster, Men’s First Side & Evolve (trophy donated by Bob Tyler)
*Clubwoman of the Year: Kerryn King & Amber Willis, YaYa’s (trophy donated by Lyn Liebich)
*Clubman of the Year: Colin Merifield, Men’s First Side & Evolve (trophy donated by Standard Brass)
*Most Dedicated Player: Heather Turnbull, YaYa’s (Chairman’s Award)
*Most Valued Player: Dale Griffiths, Men’s First Side & Hangovers
*Captain of the Year: Derek Merifield, Evolve
*Most Promising Junior Boy: Matt Chaplain, Men’s First Side
*Most Enthusiastic Lady: Michel Van Biljon, Eagles (trophy donated by Image Boutique)
*Most Enthusiastic Man: Dudley Hickman, Kittens (trophy donated by His Image)
*Most Improved Player Lady: Kayleigh Morgan-Evens, YaYa’s (trophy donated by Gillette)
*Most Improved Player Man: Ozzie Teixeira, Mammoths (trophy donated by Alan Castleman)
*Most Promising Player Lady: Meeghan Cordier, Fossils (trophy donated by Vanessa Halkett)
*Most Promising Player Man: Damien Hugo, Colts (trophy donated by Trevor Hoole)
*u/21 Player of the Year Lady: Abbeygail Cordier, Fossils (trophy donated by Lorna Brown)
*u/21 Player of the Year Man: Kyle Du Preez, Men’s First Side (Memorial Trophy)
*Most Consistent School Girl: Michelle Slogrove, Harambee Stars (trophy donated by Barry Kelvie)

The Scimitar 11 Sep 2019

Morning to all our readers……

I hope that Spring is treating you all well…..I have seen that there are blossoms are all over….and new leaves on the trees…the grass is starting to change colours from faded yellow….to include a sprinkling of green…the brilliant green around the cricket pitches has been massive contrast for the last little while….but this now starting to blend in a little easier on the eye now….and with cricket trials now done and dusted…it means that summer is definitely on the way…

Our soccer boys had their final matches of the year….the reserve side playing against a very powerful Luso outfit at Corinthians on Saturday….but by the half time break…we were leading 1-0….and things were looking good…we were playing some super football…and everyone was starting to believe in the impossible….but the experience of the opposition came through and they equalised and then went 2-1 ahead….but to our young guns credit….thy never gave up and almost equalised with a minute to go which would have led to an interesting extra time play off…..with the young legs in our line-up starting to take their toll on the more qualified yet tiring limbs of the opposition…..but the opportunity was lost and we had to be happy with a runners up medal…the second of the season as these young men had finished second in the league as well…..but on reflection, the team had been brilliant throughout the season and with 10 of the players boast an average age of only 19….all is set up for next year….these young men have gained some valuable experience in the senior leagues and will represent the future of our club…. Our most successful team in recent Cup history is definitely our 5^th side…..who were playing in their 5^th final in a row….and after winning the three of the previous four….high expectations had been generated that they could repeat the feat once again and make it four out of five…. And in a very pressurised game, the result at full time was all square….which meant an additional half hour… but our boys came good….scoring the winner and taking the cup home with a 2-1 win…..well done guys….we are extremely proud of you…

All the hockey girls had their last event of the year…with their annual “mash-up” tournament…where all the girls from different teams are mixed and matched and put into different sides for the day….from all the shrieks of laughter, it seems like a barrel of fun was enjoyed by all…a super day out….the boys also had their last matches of the season with the Crutch tournament in Boksburg on Sunday….and another day of fun and festivities was enjoyed by everyone…definitely a great day of hockey and laughter was enjoyed by all….and with Evolve being awarded the “Crutch” after the completion of the day, means that next year we are back at the North for this annual day…..I am looking forward to it already….

Friday saw a change in the weather which wasn’t good news for the organisers of the “Glimlag Fees” as we all know what our Members of the North do when the weather changes for the worse….they stay away in their droves….but they still made an effort to get to the Joker draw on Friday night…..and we had a super evening with Karaoke with Graham Havenga having his name pulled from the beeeeg  black box….as the candidate to find the Joker for this week…..but again his luck was the same as all the others preceding him…and he was able to find the ten of hearts, which was in the middle row on the extreme right…. Better luck next time Harv’s…. but his misfortune means that the Jackpot climbs again….and now it is sitting at R77031 for someone this week….so with almost a third of the board face up……we now have 36 cards still face down….and a heeeeuge jackpot available for the lucky person to locate the Joker… pop along this week and you could be our next big winner….

Last week we had our usual fare of Karaoke kings (and queens) keeping our patrons in the Scimitar and beer garden amused and entertained….it is always a lot of fun and the evening is always enjoyed by all…this week we see the return of Freedom Unfound…Ryno brings his crew from the North of Joburg to the proper North for us to enjoy….so please pop along and listen to this talented bunch of musicians….Alan will love to have them back to play his favourite “Lightning crashes” and a bunch of others that have the crowds dancing and jiving to the beat and singing along at the top of their voices…..just a quick reminder that it is Ryno’s birthday on Saturday….so I am sure offering him a tequila or two will be in order to assist with his celebrations…..

Last weekend we hosted the Afrikaans music festival (the Glimlag Fees) and with lots of food and craft stalls….a massive beer tent and a stage and sound system (that “skrikked vir niks”)…promised to be a wonderful weekend of music and celebration….unfortunately the weather did not play the game….with some rain on Friday and a decidedly fresh wind present for the rest of the weekend…..  the East Rand patrons did not come out in the numbers expected to make the show a success from a financial view point…..but the rest of the event was most professional….for which I thank Ettienne and Danie…we listened to some artistes that I haven’t heard of before…and it was most refreshing….there were some detractors (there always will be) but when viewed in context of the whole event, I believe it was a great success…we have learned some valuable lessons that we will apply in the future to ensure that everyone is accommodated more adequately…..the organisers have asked that it become an annual event…..we will see if we can make the necessary arrangements to satisfy everyone….

Next week we have the start of the Rugby World Cup…and we will have some specials to accompany the Springbok and all other games….so keep watching the social media platforms and the Scimitar newsletter which will advertise these promotions….go Bokke!!

If you have any queries or complaints about the Club, please do not hesitate to contact me on rod.scheepers@gmail.com that I can be made aware of them….

Take care…look after yourselves….have a super week…..Rod

Graham Havenga (Social) drew the Ten of Hearts – Joker Draw a turnover at R77 051.00 for Friday 13th September. Lucky for some so be present to win!!

Ryno “Freedon Unfound” will be entertaining us o Friday 13th September from 18h30

BNAC had a good day at the Fred Morrison, Germiston Callies Harriers 21km with their very own Lucky finishing 1st and Bright 3rd.  Great work Guys super proud of you.

Congratulations to Kirsty Roux on placing third at the Wildseries Mont-Aux-Sorces challenge! Beste de Lange was 4th in Central Gauteng and 42nd overall in the under 9 age group at the SA cross country champs. Jazz van Rensburg finished the half Ironman World Champs, in Nice, in a storming 5:07!

Super proud of these Benoni Northern’s Footballers, 2nd in Reserve Super League and Cup Finalists, lost to a quality & experienced Luso team 2-1 in yesterday’’s Cup Final. The future looks promising with a majority of squad being so young. Ten players in squad with an average age of 19. Well done Lads…. . Enrique Juanas-Uriol (Coach)

The Scimitar 5 Sep 2019

From a breezy North….I bid you all warm greetings….

If anyone took the time to get out to the “BIG DAY OUT” last Saturday…they will agree that Mango Groove definitely still have “IT”…..they have been a wonderful group since the late eighties…and are one of the few groups that sounds precisely the same live as they do on recordings….the backup singers were at their lyrical best….whilst Claire Johnstone has lost none of her pizzazz and flair…..and all the instrumentalist were absolutely brilliant….I think that everyone gave a collective groan when they announced that they were about to play their last song….I thoroughly enjoyed my big day out and hope that we able to repeat it really soon….

And that may be a little sooner than we all think….as this weekend we are hosting the Smile Festival….a tribute to Afrikaans artists and their work….and with merry goo rounds for the kids it promises to be a fantastic weekend of entertainment for all…please join us…

Our soccer boys finished off their season in style both sides scoring massive wins against Germiston….the second side recording their largest win of the season 8-1….cementing their second spot in the league……one position lower than last year….but a huge change around in personnel and a significant reduction in the average age of the players in the current season, means a satisfactory return for our reserve side….and a fitting end to the season for the young legs giving our side more speed and efficiency for the whole match….the first side managed to arrive with four players short and had to use the younger men that had already played a full match before….but despite the weary legs, the youngsters were able to score all the first side goals….with another goal glut as we ran out easy 6-1 winners in the super league encounter…and this impressive end, meant that landed up in position  7 in the final standings…looking back on the season…I think it could be fair to say that the amount of draws during the season….cost us in the long run…reserves has 7 draws….while the first side had 9 of the level up matches…it looks that our BMT has let us down over the season…if we had possibly scored an extra goal in half of those drawn matches would have had us climbing up the ladder and competing for league honours by both sides…..the reserve side is competing this weekend in the cup final against Luso at Olympia….good luck boys…play your best….that is all we can ask….

The hockey seasons also ended last weekend with the ladies and gents both finishing off their respective leagues…and then this weekend end off with their fun events…the ladies will have their mash-up at the Easterns Astro while the men finish off at St Doms with their Crutch tournament….should be a great weekend of fun to enjoy…..

All is quiet on the rugby front…with their fun for the future being the sevens season that should be starting fairly soon….keep your eye on the Scimitar for news on the relevant dates…..

The cricketers held their trials last weekend and it looked like a pretty good turnout…..soon we will be listening to the crack of leather on willow and we can sip drinks under an umbrella in the bright summer sunshine….

The joker draw had a return of Paul Walton to the selection position as Lockey had his chance to scramble a name from the beeeg black box last week…. Paul’s return to the limelight, did not indicate a change in his fortune….as he found where the queen of hearts showed her face for the first time at this draw…..so another climb in the jackpot means there are some more reasons to come and join us this week at the draw to try your luck….our prize money this week is up to R75068…come along this week to join us bringing in the weekend in a relaxed manner….

We are back with Karaoke this week…so all our aspirant pop stars may come and join us as we make some noise in the Scimitar on Friday night….

Really a short rendition this week as we start the change of seasons….hope to see you all at the “Smile Festival” this weekend…. see you all soon….Rod

Paul Walton (Social) keeps on trying his luck but alas drew the Queen of Hearts – Joker Draw a turnover at R75 068.00 for Friday 06th September. Be present to win!!

  On Friday 06th September from 18h30

Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s Time Trial started last Tuesday! 17:45 Wilge Road, Farrarmere. You can run 4km/8km.

Eagles Super 5’s Hockey Registrations are now open get your teams in to avoid disappointment Contact Shaun Taylor – shauntaylor@absamail.co.za

Congratulations to Benoni Northerns “Evolve” Team for winning the EGHA Mens Hockey “A” League

The Scimitar 29 Aug 2019

A super good morning to all from the Ice box at the North….

Outside our office, my view is altering….daily…the oak avenue that fringes the road to the tennis club….now not only possesses stark and angular branches….but they are now filled with a green fuzz of spring leaf growth…which means that spring is “a-sprunging”….happiness for me…as I am sure you all realise by this time….that the cold winter weather is not my favourite time of the year… but now that Spring is on its way…I feel a little better already….

Let me start off by issuing a humble apology to Gavin (Shifty) Oosthuizen who has also made the over 40 Masters side to represent SA at the World Cup in Cape Town……I mentioned his two Club mates Dale Griffiths and Colin Merrifield in my message two weeks ago…on our return from the annual Masters outing in Johannesburg….my research into the matter was obviously found wonting….for which I sincerely apologise….I thought that my sources had the correct credentials….but on further investigation, it has emerged that my inside information guy turned out to be a well dressed rogue, who was only posing as a gentleman of superior knowledge and was a real imposter….so the North officially has three representatives in the National side at hockey….a first for our Hockey Club…..awesome news and very well done to each and every one of you…..

Friday night was a real party with our new duo of Nikkita and Richard keeping the faithful here into the wee hours….I did check on the late night footage….and it proved that the Hadida and Ferret are able to co-habit and even dance with each other!!!! Clips of this exclusive footage will be on sale at our offices…the proceeds being used to bolster the Rod and Glenda benevolent fund…..any contributions will be willingly accepted and are most welcome….this week we welcome back Omega and their five piece band to maintain the excellent quality of entertainment at the North…these guys have proved to be a hit each time they have performed at the North….so please come along to listen to these talented musicians….

Our Joker draw this week saw the return of Cheryl Bartie, as her ticket was again drawn from the beeeeg black box….but she was unable to match her good fortune at selecting the possible joker….and only succeeded in finding the ten of Clubs….so with another roll over… we move the jackpot up to R73 148….and with a great band playing…please come and try your luck at the joker draw and listen to some super tunes….a wonderful way to start your weekend…..

Our Soccer boys were on song on Saturday and with both sides being successful meant that for the first time in quite a while, we brought home 6 points to the Club…..well done boys….the footballing skills of our opposition does not justify their lowly position in the league table…..and albeit the scores do not reflect it, the opposition were in the match until the latter stages of each game….creating opportunities throughout the contest…..the reserves coming out 3-0 on top, whilst the first side also had a three goal cushion, showing a 6-3 result…..both of the sides had mid week games against Alberton away…..which is always a difficult opposition on an unpredictable pitch….usually very bumpy…..but the results were not available before this message was sent for publishing……if they were positive results, you will be sure to hear about it next week….otherwise I may just sweep it under the carpet very quickly and quietly…..this week we take on Germiston City away….in one of the last games of the season…..please go along to watch the matches…they will be most appreciative of all the support that they can muster….

The rugger buggers are now in a period of rest…before they start their 7’s season…. keep an eye on the Scimitar and our Facebook pages for more information on this exciting sport….

The hockey season is drawing to a close….and last weekend we finished off the Juniors season with their prize giving after playing their annual matches against the parents….I saw a lot of smiles from the kids and hobbling parents, sporting injuries (sore hamstrings, bad backs and dodgy knees being the most common excuses) but all parents were unanimous in their heaping of praise on the coaches and juniors that had another fantastic and most successful season….well done to all concerned…..

Senior hockey is also about to wrap up the season….so expect some great celebrations and happiness around the astro and club in the next few weekends….

This week we see the Mango Groove concert at the club…and this should be a day to remember….it is many years since I last saw MG….and that was most memorable…I’m sure it will be again…..I will be there.. I hope you will too….

Also next week we have another fantastic event as we host the Afrikaans Smile music festival (as Glenda says Glim-lag fees) with a real English accent…..this should also be a spectacular weekend of entertainment…. please diarise it….

Short and sweet (using a Leon Schuster movie title) for this week…. hope to see you all out and about at the North….

Enjoy you week….if you have any complaints or compliments about the North, please email me on rod.scheepers@gmail.com….

Have fun….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

Cheryl Bartie (Social) drew the 10 of Clubs – Joker Draw a turnover at R73 148.00 for Friday 30th August. Be present to win!!

Senior Mens and Womens Cricket trials 2019
Saturday, 31 August 2019
10h00 to 13h00 – Women and Colts
14h00 to 16h30 – Senior Men
Important information:
Registration on the website (www.bncricket.co.za) before trials. Bring your own cricket balls. Please ensure that you wear normal practice kit (black/white pants, white shirt) and no colored clothing will be permitted.

Eagles Super 5’s Hockey Registrations are now open get your teams in to avoid disappointment Contact Shaun Taylor – shauntaylor@absamail.co.za

The Scimitar 22 Aug 2019

Warm greetings from the North

Another stunning day has dawn on the Highveld in Gauteng…..and our Indian summer continues….Mother Nature did strike back for a little while and sent in some cool breezes to remind us that it is only August…..but the traditional August winds have not arrived as yet….and as my farmer mates from Newcastle would react…..they would look into the distance and look concerned and wise…and say….we need the winds for the September rain and that may mean poor crops…..so please let the wind blow….so that the rains may be wide and plentiful…..I have noticed that my car is really dirty and dustier than normal so I really want the wind to settle the dust and get everything to start growing again…..my trees at home have had their blossoms and there are now their brilliant green leaves are awaiting the rain to allow the fruit bearing procedure to work in earnest…..this is my first year in my new home, so I have a new crop of fruit and nuts awaiting me….I can’t wait….

Friday night was a most festive affair with Billy and Martin providing the entertainment….and the crowd enjoyed singing along and dancing both in the Scimitar and in the Beer Garden….and we had a really great evening….this week we have a new duo to grace the North….on this side of the great divide….as Nikita and Richard will be appearing in the Scimitar to entertain us this week….they come highly recommended…so please come and enjoy your start to the weekend at Northerns….

Just before I get into the Joker draw results for last week…..in compliance with the published terms and conditions of the Joker draw, could I ask that everyone ensures that the Joker draw tickets that are completed by the individual themselves, must please contain their own name or if it is a partnership, to contain one or two identifiable names…..or a unique nickname that the person is generally known by….. not a combined name that could relate to any group or team at the Club…..this will avoid any confusion at draw time….

At the Joker draw last week, after an initial false start….Martin Iske had his name pulled from the beeeeeg black box again….and his luck at being drawn again, did not improve his ability at finding the elusive Joker…and his choice on the right just above the centre line….proved to be the Ace of Hearts….amid roars of approval from the waiting and expectant crowd…..the Jackpot now climbs into the 70’s…..and settles at R71 144….so it is ready and waiting for you to come and collect your money this Friday….at only R5 a ticket you could win the Jackpot…please pop along to try your luck…we would love to have you with us…..

Saturday saw our Rugger buggers hosting the junior ladies 7’s tournament…..and according to their spokesmen…it was a roaring success…..loads of great rugby played…plenty of excitement….and even though the beer garden was not as frequently used…as all the players were school children…..Lourens and his crew kept the consumption levels up by trying to beat the previous weekend record for brandy sales…..and I think they came pretty close in achieving their target….well done on a super weekend of rugby guys….

The soccer boys had weekend matches away at Randburg…..against a traditionally strong opposition…that have been a quality side for many years…..and in a complete turnaround we were able to bring home four points….a rare feat by any of the Super League sides…..  the second side were at their quality best and scored some fantastic goals and were able to return with three points and savoring a 4-1 win…..the first side were the better side throughout the encounter…having Randburg on the back foot with quality passing, possession and positioning….. but poor finishing allowed the opposition to keep a share of the spoils at the end of the day with 1-1 being the final result… this week the first side play Olympia in a cup match in mid-week….while the reserves have to replay the Sporting fixture in a travesty of justice ruled on by the disciplinary committee…also in a mid-week clash…..both sides are back at the North this weekend against Zwide and hopefully can use the crowd and local conditions to bag a full house of points….good luck to both sides….

Hockey was back in full force on the weekend and it was marvelous to see the beer garden full of sides on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning….as we run into the end of the season….things are starting to hot up as the teams vie for the top spot…whilst at the bottom, all the stragglers are making sure that they do not end up with the wooden spoon….

The caravan, which is our mobile bar and is to be known as “The Coach”, will soon be making its presence felt at the Astro where it will be deployed on the weekends to sooth the parched throats in the area….please be on the lookout for our new addition….

Also diarise our two big events in the next two week…..Mango Groove are appearing at the North next Saturday (31^st) in the “Big day out”…. and then the week after that on the 7^th and 8^th we will have the Smile Festival (Glimlag Fees) for a weekend of Afrikaans music, which is going to be a first for us at the North….and hopefully the start of a long relationship…the organisers are very excited about the event…and it looks like they will attract some bumper crowds….both of these should be epic….please join us…

I hope you all have a fantastic week….Take care…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

Martin Iske (Social) drew the Ace of Hearts – Joker Draw a turnover at R71 144.00 for Friday 23rd August. Be present to win!!