BHS starts season with derby day against Rassies

Benoni High School (BHS) plans to approach the winter sports season with a winner’s mentality as the hockey, rugby and netball teams look to better last year’s results.

The school kicks off the season with a bumper derby day against Hoërskool Erasmus on Saturday (March 1), with nine hockey, nine rugby and seven netball matches set to take centre stage from 08:00.

Hockey

While they are aware of the school’s contribution to hockey in Ekurhuleni and the country, the girls’ and boys’ first team captains Kyra Clarke and Jason Russell explained things are looking up this season.

“Last year, the first team and U16s did very well. Now that we’ve combined both teams, we expect to dominate. We’ve been training since January and are prepared and fit. It is important that we work towards leaving a solid foundation for the Grade Eights,” said Clarke.

Russell expects a big step-up from his team, especially after their league win last season.

“I’m expecting the boys to step up and upgrade how they play their rugby. We have many juniors in the side but lost some players who were in matric last year. I’m expecting a big step-up from the guys,” he said.

Clarke and her charges will take to the astro field at 10:00 and Russell and his team will conclude the fixture at 11:15.

Netball

Captain Hlengiwe Madonsela paid a tribute to those who led the first team before her, saying their hard work and leadership left a solid foundation for her.

“We come from a line of excellent teams. It’s an honour that I get to captain the first team this year. I understand the level of skill and excellence the ladies before me presented. They’ve set a standard for me,” Madonsela said.

After the U14s, U15s, U16s and U17s matches on courts one, two and three, Madonsela and her team will take to the new main court.

“We are the first team in the history of the school to play on the new courts. I’m definitely excited. It’s special and an honour for the team.”

The centre pass is at 10:10.

Rugby

Led by coach Colin Lloyd and captain Lwandle Nonyane, the First XV hopes for another great season to build on to their third-place in the Valke Noordvaal schools league.

Nonyane believes they are capable of a successful run this season, adding that the fixture on Saturday will set the tone for what’s coming ahead.

“We lost in the semi-finals last season and were third overall. The plan is to go all the way. We even have a message on our jersey that we have to bring it home. It’s the main goal.

“With our preparation, I’m confident in the team. We’ve done enough and just have to show this to our supporters,” he said.

The first team will kick-off at 12:30 after the U14, U15, U16, third and second teams’ matches.

The full fixtures are available on the school’s Facebook page.

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