This week sees the return of the JB Cup to Mac Uni with the Warriors taking on Syndey University in an Old Boys day extravaganza. The JB Cup carries a special place in Mac Uni hearts and minds.
John "The Rookie" Benson, was recruited to Mac Uni in 1998 by great mate Will Ley after meeting in an economics lecture. Although never having played senior footy before, in that same first year JB won Mac Uni's 1st grade Best & Fairest award and was pivotal in the Kookas' first ever grand final win (over Sydney Uni).
He was nominated as Macquarie University's "Rookie of the Year" (judged across all sports), thus earning the nickname "Rookie". In Rookie's second season in 1999, the Kookas went on to win another premiership; again vs. Sydney Uni.
In 2000, JB played a season in SAFL Premier League with East Coast Eagles, proving he could cut it in the big time. His most memorable game was a Best On Ground performance against the Sydney Swans Reserves, who were playing in the SAFL at the time. It was the Swans only defeat for the season.
In 2001, JB returned to the Kookas, continuing to play scintillating footy that saw 1sts figure prominently in finals campaigns in both 2001 and 2002.
On 11th November 2002, travelling with friends to the Philippines for a surfing holiday, Rookie's plane was forced to ditch in the ocean after suffering mechanical failure, and he was one of approximately 20 others who drowned in that accident.
In 2003, the Kookas struck the JB Cup; a perpetual trophy to pay tribute to JB and be awarded to the winner of the Kookas vs. Sydney Uni game played at Roger Sheeran Oval each year. Sydney Uni were chosen because of the great rivalry and respect between the Kookas and Sydney Uni during Rookie's time at Mac Uni.
Well, with the league going through a few changes over the last couple of years, The Kookas becoming the Warriors under the Macquarie University banner and Sydney Uni playing in a different division leaving the JB Cup on hold, the JB Cup returns to the forefront of the Mac Uni year – being the most important club game the Warriors play during the home and away rounds.
So, get on down to University Oval and join Worker in recruiting all the Old Boys to the ground to commemorate a great mate, enjoy an afternoon of footy and get behind the Warriors against old rival Sydney Uni.
Games start
· U18’s at 8:30am vs Sydney University
· Thirds at 10:30am vs Sydney University
· Ressies at 12:30pm vs UNSW/ES
· Seniors at 2:30pm vs Sydney University
Last Modified on 07/07/2009 08:28