Hockey mastery from Dale Griffiths at Masters World Cup
The Northmead man sure did stick out at the Masters World Cup.
In any team sport there are always certain players whose contributions to the overall performance are absolutely invaluable.
One such example is Benoni Northerns hockey legend Dale Griffiths (40) who turned out in the green and gold of South Africa at the Hockey Masters World Cup in Barcelona, Spain recently.
Playing in the men’s +40 team, the Northmead resident helped guide his team to the quarter-finals of the tournament where they, unfortunately, experienced defeat to the host nation.
His team ended up finishing in eighth place out of 15 teams.
Griffiths proved to be so vital to the team’s cause on the Spanish AstroTurfs that he was selected as the South African Player of the Tournament from his team.
The father of two told the City Times that the competition at the World Cup was extremely good.
“There was proper intensity shown out there,” he said.
“The okes were serious.
“They definitely came down to play hockey.
“The nice thing though is that the tournament was fun on and off the field.
“We had beers with the guys after the games and got to hang out with the other teams.
“There were three huge Astros and an awesome village where we could watch the other sides play.”
Playing in the link positions Griffiths was a vital cog in the engine of the South African team which finished third in their five-team pool which featured Australia, USA, New Zealand and Denmark.
“We weren’t overrun in any of our games,” added Griffiths.
“We narrowly lost 4-3 to Australia in a game where I believe if we had a couple more minutes we would have beaten them.
“A great game for us was beating New Zealand 4-2 to finish above them and get third place in the pool.”
Griffiths is modest about his acknowledgement as the Player of the Tournament for his country.
“We all played well.
“It’s not just me out on the field.
“I had a good run, but the team really gelled nicely and we had no fighting or arguments on or off the field.
“Masters’ hockey is definitely growing.
“I first played Eastern Gauteng Masters hockey about six years ago and it was really just more of a social thing, but the guys have realised now that it can be much more serious.”
Griffiths has been a stalwart in the familiar red kit of Benoni Northerns’ first team in the competitive Southern Gauteng Hockey leagues since 2000 and is fast approaching his 300th cap for Northerns in Southern Gauteng competition.
As a Benoni Northerns hockey stalwart Griffiths has great hopes for the club and for Eastern Gauteng hockey in general.
“I’d like the club to keep getting stronger.
“We battle a bit with youngsters coming up through the junior ranks.
“We lose a lot of committed younger players to the varsities.
“We have great hockey players in the East, but we do lose them to university hockey.
“If they can come back and play here we will have properly strong sides again.
“We have had our years where we had strong teams that have competed in the Southern Gauteng Premier League and gave those guys a good run.
“It would be great to have that again.”
Griffiths is not only adept with a hockey stick in hand but is a sportsman of exceptional capability.
He has run nine consecutive Comrades Marathons and is eyeing his Comrades green number (for 10 race finishes) at next year’s up run.
He is also a strong football player and still enjoys playing a bit of social football as well as cycling when he can.
PREVIOUS READ:
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
