Old Bens thrash rivals to secure league title

Old Benonians Hockey team won the 2022 Hockey Men’s Reserve League recently, four years on from their last win in this league.

The league falls under the auspices of the Eastern Gauteng Hockey Association (EGHA) Men’s Reserve League and consists of six teams.

The club, established in 1947 and known as Old Bens Chirpers, beat Benoni Northerns Kittens 6-0 in their last match.

According to the chairperson of the club, Daryl MacGillicuddy, the team has won 12 matches, drew one and lost only two.

“We have recruited and nurtured many younger players, adding value and depth to the squad.

“Winning always feels good after all the effort,” expressed MacGillicuddy.

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Chirpers have managed to score 54 goals and conceded 18 from the entire season.

“The availability of players and some being ill on match days were challenging for us but we have managed to play all our matches with a winning mentality.

“It was a tough league because we had to compete against good teams including Benoni Northerns Kittens but we managed to pull through,” said MacGillicuddy.

Captain of Old Bens Chirpers, Dean Ashton said being given the responsibility to manage the players was great.

“With the squad that keeps rotating, the team needed someone to stand up and lead by example and I was available to assist the team win the league.

“We have a great squad mixed with experience and youngsters who are willing to showcase the eagerness they have in hockey. We are looking forward to winning the league again next season,” said Ashton.

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