A splendid morning greeting to everybody….

We are currently experiencing a fantastic Indian summer….and I think that my body is not sure what to do….when I peep out of the window in the morning the weather and view appear to be the same as last week….but the temperature differential must be all of 10 degrees during the day….from a vest, long sleeved shirt, body warmer, scarf or buff and a warm jacket….to a golf shirt and body warmer in the matter of a few days…and even shorts were on display after hockey on Sunday…long may it continue….but I am sure that Mother Nature will be back to show us who the real boss is soon….to just remind us that it is still winter and don’t put away the winter woollies just yet….the forecast doesn’t look too bad….with only  a little inclement weather for Saturday but still not anything icy….so let us enjoy the fruits of warm winter for a little longer….

I had a great Saturday with our hockey committee hosting all the hockey juniors (and their excited parents and supporters) from the province for their annual festival….and what a day it was…excellent weather …a great turn out….some super hockey and piles of fun for participants and spectators alike…at this point I think we need to remember the efforts of all the coaches (and of course particularly ours)….these stalwarts give up their time and efforts to improve the game of hockey and provide a future for the sport….a massive thank you to these special people from the parents, committee and of course from myself on behalf of the North….your contribution is highly valued and appreciated… I also think that congratulations are in order to Shaun Taylor and his ever enthusiastic bunch of parents and volunteers, who sold plenty of tickets, produced masses of wors and bacon rolls, piles of hamburgers and buckets of cool drinks…they were always on hand to assist with directions to the nearest restroom, or clarification of field allocations…..I only saw one casualty on the day and that was not as a result of any of the sport being played….but rather to the endless supply of Hansa that Shepherd and his merry crew were able to supply to the crew of chefs….

This coming weekend is the turn of our older generation on the hockey fields as they take their annual trek…this year the travel time is reduced, as the tournament is in Johannesburg…..but it could be light years away as far as the participants are concerned….as they start to get into the “zone” for the weekend…I am sure that some of our readers will remember the festival that was held in Benoni two years ago….and this will prove to be another memorable weekend….good luck to our members of the North, who will be representing Eastern Gauteng and of course….best wishes to the EG sides for the weekend….we hope that your efforts on the field will match your exploits and antics off it….

Our Soccer boys had the weekend off as Boksburg have pulled out of the league….and this weekend we have the weekend off as the semi’s in the              Cup are being played and we have a bye…through to the finals….

The senior rugger buggers had their last matches of the season….with the second side losing in the final by a solitary point…while the U21’s were undoubtedly our stars…over turning a half-time deficit 17-5 to run our eventual winners 26-17 which took a great amount of determination and will power….well done boys…..Merlin Cup Valke Champions for 2019….we are very proud of you….with the seniors season now a thing of the past…the Junior section is now firmly in the sights…as it is our opportunity to host the Junior Rugby Festival this weekend….as we are expect players from 12 different towns in the Valke region…so we can expect anything between 1500-2000 players excluding their travelling band of fans that each of the these special little players attract….so please come along to the North on Saturday (JB Hall side) to see an extravaganza of brilliant junior rugger….

Our pizza kitchen opening was officially opened last Wednesday….and I can personally vouch that the pizza’s are amazing….if you haven’t already tried them…please do so…they are definitely worthwhile….

Friday night brought another “newbie” to the Joker cabinet…as Barry had his name selected from the beeeeeg black box….and in a late shuffle of presenters….John Ansell (Club Treasurer and Athletics Chairman) stood in the limelight to turn over the card that was picked….and Barry pondered about his choice for a while after his photograph…and eventually settled for the middle of the board…and his card ended up with the two of spades being turned over…. Another roll over and this week the Jackpot is up to R68219…and this week…because of the public holiday on Friday…we have moved the Joker and band to the Thursday 8^th….so please note it in your diary…that we are having the Zimmer Twinz playing in the Scimitar on Thursday….and the Joker draw at 19h30..

A shorter version this week, hope I have covered all the bases…..have a super long weekend….take care and enjoy it…

If you have any matter that you like to bring to my attention….or if you have a suggestion…please do not hesitate to drop me an email on rod.scheepers@gmail.com

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

Barry Smith-Hardy (Football ) drew the Two of Spades – Joker Draw a turnover at R68 219.00 for Thursday 08th August.

At “The North” THURSDAY 08TH AUGUST : The Beer Garden and Scimitar Bar are open from 12h00 serving Pub Lunches and delicious Pizza.

Thanks for all the memories Taiwan. Baseball u12 Squad

Junior Hockey Season done and dusted for the year . All the players made us so proud and ending it all by playing their last games on home turf. See you all next Year. Well done to all the Coaches for the time and effort they affirded in making this Season a memorable one