Indians seniors honoured

Following a triumphant season where the Benoni Indians Major A-League Redskins side won the league cup competition, after narrowly missing out on the league title, the club capped off their campaign with an awards ceremony on October 1.

Dressed in their blue and red raglan tees, players came in their numbers, supported by their families.

As is the club’s tradition, the ceremony began with punishment in which those not dressed in full club colours had to chug a tot of gin (coke for some) – a tradition many seem to enjoy.

Rowan Ebersohn was the big winner as he walked away with the MVP award for the Redskins side. Jordan Beukes was the MVP for the senior reserve side.

Jacques Groenewald was awarded the MVP award for the Major B Wichita side, while Cullen Pieterse won the MVP for the Sioux team.

The club had four representatives in the major league. According to President Shaun Deyze, this signalled the strength of the club.

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“We had a representative in the Major A league, which is vital for a club to have a team representing them.
“We have two Major B League sides, which is also great because that forms development for minor and senior reserves.

“The senior reserve side was in there as well, showing our strength as a club. We can showcase our strength by having all these teams in the league,” he said.

Deyzel said he was satisfied with the overall performance of the club last season.

“The Major A team, which paves the path on how this game should be played, did extremely well. Unfortunately, we were knocked out of the league. However, we won the cup.

“All in all, the support we had from the members and players have been great. Even with representation to play in the world cup, I couldn’t be happier. I’m proud of what we are achieving as a club.

“The club keeps on growing every year. Last season we had eight junior teams. This season we have ten. It shows the strength we possess. It’s great to see this growth.”

He stated that the selection of several players to represent South Africa at various WBSC events this year was a proud moment for the club.

“It’s great to see. Not just for the club but those individuals. It’s a proud moment. Watching these guys play on TV, knowing that you were part of their development, you can only be super proud of them,” he concluded.

The winners are as follows:

Major A Redskins

• Best batter – Kyle Schwartz
• Best fielder – Aiden Schwartz
• Best pitcher – Robert White
• Players player – Keagan Palmer
• MVP – Rowan Ebersohn
Coaches: Richard Greenslade and Deon Beukes

Senior reserves Mohicans

• Best batter – Keagan Dunnercliffe
• Best fielder – Herlo de Lange
• Best pitcher – Josiah Schneider
• Players’ player – Brian Skippers
• MVP – Jordan Beukes
Coaches: Craig Stevens and Bruce Burrage

Major B Wichita

• Best batter – Jason Keen
• Best fielder – Matthew Pudule
• Best pitcher – Alex Howden
• Players’ player – Shaun Deyzel
• MVP – Jacques Groenewald
Coaches: Chris Steyn and Anthony Cogill

Major B Sioux

• Best batter – Ross Mathew
• Best fielder – Cullen Pieterse
• Best pitcher – Shane McQuirk
• Players’ player – Ross Matthew
• MVP – Cullen Pieterse
Coaches: Jerry Pieterse, Gareth Long and Nathan Cope.

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