Ben Gorham, son of Wests’ legendary Scorer Mal ‘Pencil’ Gorham (First Grade Player #447), is currently celebrating his 200th game for the Magpies in the Fourth Grade two day match versus Penrith at Blick Oval.

Ben started with the black and whites in season 2009-2010 in the Metro Cup and has subsequently appeared in all grades, except Firsts, in his 200 appearances.

An ideal clubman, Gorham has, especially in the early days, played in two games on a weekend: grade on Saturday, backing up in Metro when played on a Sunday.

Ben co-coached Wests Green Shield squads for two seasons and still lends his support to the Club’s juniors both on and off the field. As captain of the very successful 2023-2024 Fourth Grade side (currently placed second,
one point behind Manly), Ben has the opportunity to guide the fortunes of his young proteges on field.

To see him lead the group in the club song after a Magpie victory is a sight to behold! During his 200 game career, Ben has scored 3,341 runs at an average of 20.25, accumulating 14 scores of 50 plus, with a highest tally of 94. As well, he has taken 206 wickets, at the economical average of 22.44. On top, he has taken 83 career catches.

The good news is that Ben Gorham, a young man who exemplifies the Magpie Mantra (“Better People Through Cricket”), shows no sign of slowing up and it would be a just reward for him to captain the Fourth Grade to a premiership.

Ben Gorham pictured with good friend and former Western Suburbs District Cricket Club player and President David O'Neil