NZ Win over AU - Port Hills, Dec 2019
What a great game. Well done NZ who came out on top 12 to 5 on 7 December 2019 at Port Hills. Sam Martin MVP, Champion Pony Tina owned by George Cooper Dixon and played by JP Clarkin. Champion lent pony was Java owner by Dean Geddes and ridden by Jake Daniels. A report of the day below:
A Day at the Polo- New Zealand Vs Australia Test + Women's Polo
It was the 11th year running that the Port Hills Polo Club and Ronald McDonald House South Island, partnered up to raise funds for the wonderful RMH Charity.
This year's event had it's share of exciting matches scheduled. Starting with a Women's Curtain Raiser, 8 excited girls were picked to showcase their polo skills in front of a crowd of 1000 spectators. It was their chance to promote this amazing and addictive sport and inspire many more women of all ages and abilities to give this sport a go. Even with a few spots of rain, the match was exciting with the Wynn Williams Team coming out on top with a great win!
Next up was the much awaited New Zealand Vs Australia Test Match. It was an absolute honor to have JP Clarkin join the NZ Team after Auckland player, Tom Hunt had to make a late withdrawal due to injury earlier in the week. This made for an exciting match with both teams packed with talent and experience. A special thanks to all the players and pony lenders that lent their horses to these players, it would not been possible without their help.
Another fantastic match for the crowd with a convincing win for New Zealand! 12-5! The boys finally got to keep the Cup again after losing the last 2 matches.
The Teams were: New Zealand:Glen Armstrong, Ash Reader, Sam Martin and JP Clarkin, reserve player- Lachie Appleby
Coach: Ollie Tuthill, Manager: Guy Martin
Coach: Ollie Tuthill, Manager: Guy Martin
Australia:Tex Webster, Luke Reid, Hugo Fischer, Jake Daniels,Coach/Manager: Dirk Gould
Umpires: Garth McKenzie and Robert Watson
The successful day concluded with another exciting Women's Closing Match, where another group of 8 very skilled and talented women passionate about this sport, battled it out on the field.In total, the raised $110,000 for Ronald McDonald House South Island. The amount of support the Port Hills Polo Club and Ronald McDonald House South Island received has been overwhelming, and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone that helped bring this day together.
Planning is already underway for next year's event!
Letter from SI President below:
On behalf of the South Island Polo Association I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Port Hill Polo Club for their efforts made on running the International Polo match between New Zealand and an Australian team held last weekend.
It was a superb day that was well organised that promoted polo well and helped a great charity raise considerable funds.
To see Polo being presented and the sport played to a high level while using the game and occasion to help others was a testament to what we are proud to be part of.
I also want to pass on my thanks to all horse lenders within the South Island that help make the day happen.
This shows how generous South Islanders are and our depth of horse power for mounting 2 teams at this level.
Finally well done to the New Zealand team with their success. The preparation and organisation was well managed allowing for a deserved win on the day.
Regards
Pete Dormer
SIPA President
Article added: Sunday 08 December 2019
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