ELLERSTON SPRING TROPHY

Report from Jume Gilmore. The games today were played on the school field on a beautiful warm spring day. Three teams went into today’s games on 3 points and everyone eagerly awaited the results to determine the finalists. They were Willowcroft in the first, Sandalford in the second and Ellerston White in the third. Willowcroft v Ellerston Black:( Black receiving 1 start on handicap) The scores were tied at half time and we thought we were in for a great game of polo but Ellerston Black came out with a great team effort in the 4th Chukka, scoring 5 goals to nil, with James Harper scoring a magnificent 5b. This seemed to take the wind out of the Willowcroft sails and the end score was 11-8 to Black. In covering the best players we would have to mention all the black team with special note to Neil Craig, when he is on his favourite little mare NONAGE, always scoreing 2 or 3 goals. For Willowcroft Damien Johnston played well. Scorers for Black were Neil Craig 3, James Harper 6 and Jeff Fisher 1. For Willowcroft D.J. 6 and Ed Gould 2. Sandalford v Halkeas Group: When Sandalford lead 3-1 at the end of the first they may have been confident, but by the end of the 6th the score was 9-9. In the extra chukka both teams went from end to ends of the field but a penalty converted by Glen Gilmore saw Sandalford win 10-9. Olly Cudmore was tireless in defence. The best players of the game were Glen Gilmore, Olly Cudmore and all the Halkeas team. Scorers for Sandalford were Olly Cudmore 1, Jock MacKay 1, Glen Gilmore 7 and Peter Prendaville 1. For Halkeas Mike King 4, Ali Muzzio 3, Sandra Carder 1 and Dirk Gould 1. Ellerston White V Garangula: Ellerston White were already into the tournament final due to Tournament Rules, however Garanagula were playing for pride. In a fast, open game, the score was 5-5 at the end of the 4th Chukka but White skipped away to finished 10-7. Best players of the game were Sam Hopkinson and Simon Keyte. Scorers for White were Matt Grimes 1, Sam Hopkinson 6 and J McHardy 3. For Garangula Ed Hitchman 2 and Simon Keyte 5.

Team Standings after todays play:

Ellerston White 4 win 1 loss
Ellerston Black 2 win 3 loss
Garangula 1 win 4 loss
Halkeas 2 win 3 loss
Sandalford 4 win 1 loss
Willowcroft 3 win 2 loss
I have not been told officially but from the team standings i think that the final will be between Ellerston White and Sandalford.